Cover photo for Bobbie Jean McDonald's Obituary
Bobbie Jean McDonald Profile Photo

Bobbie Jean McDonald

August 14, 1937 — June 15, 2025

Sandusky

Bobbie Jean McDonald

Bobbie Jean (Harvey) McDonald was born on August 14,1937 to the late Watson and Elnora (Lee) Harvey, Sondheimer, LA. After enduring several health issues, Bobbie passed away at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, Ohio on June 15, 2025.

Bobbie joined church at an early age at Union Baptist#2, under Pastor G. C. Cobb where she was active in the Baptist Training Union (BTU) and Young Ushers Guild throughout her young adult years.

Bobbie attended Henderson Road Elementary and Junior High School in Sondheimer, LA and high school in Lake Providence, LA where she excelled academically as well as being a starting forward on the Championship Girls Basketball Team of 1954.

After high school graduation in 1955, Bobbie moved to Sandusky joining her older brother Charlie Miller and grandparents Smiley and Albertine Martin.

Bobbie was an excellent role model for her younger siblings providing needed encouragement, monetary contributions and clothing for her younger brothers and sisters when she moved to Sandusky.

In 1961, Bobbie married Grady McDonald and to this union they had three children. Bobbie also had a son, Kelvin Irby (deceased) from a previous marriage. Bobbie soon joined New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Emeritus Fred Tucker and Pastor Emeritus Eddy N. Henry. She was a member for 40 years and enjoyed serving in various church ministries to include the “Youth of Our Times”. She was also a member of the Sandusky Chapter NAACP.

Bobbie later joined Gypsum Tabernacle Church, Port Clinton, OH under the leadership of Pastor Brian Curley. After his passing, the church was renamed the Nation of Christ Life Center, led by Bishop Anthony Calloway.

Bobbie was employed by Lawson’s Convenient Store, BiLo’s Grocery Store and The State of Ohio Extension Services. As part of her role with the State, she was responsible for helping low-income families learn how to prepare healthy meals on a budget. In addition, she and two co-workers later started the Food, Fun and Gardening Club which taught youth how to grow a garden with fresh fruit and vegetables. She was also the coordinator of the local 4-H Club where young girls learned how to cook, sew and bake so they could showcase their domestic skills at the annual county fair. Bobbie served on the Board of Directors for the Sandusky YMCA Black Achievers and Sandusky African American Alternative Center founded by her son Kelvin Irby.

In 1973, Bobbie and her husband Grady started McDonald’s Car Wash (later named D&J Car Wash) where they owned and operated the business for 42 years. They both had a passion for helping others and wanted to provide employment for the community.

Leaving to cherish her memories are her daughters Sandra McDonald (Sandusky, OH) and Karen McDonald(Charlotte, NC); sister Vera (Jesse) Jackson (Las Vegas, NV); brothers Joe Harvey (Sandusky, OH) and Ret. Col. P. Lee (Sandra) Harvey (La Plata, MD); granddaughters Janell (Calvin) Thomas (Columbus, OH), Dania(Gary) Kenty (Columbus, OH); grandson Jeremy Newell (Sandusky, OH); great grandsons Garrison, Graydan, Gunnar Kenty and Roman Thomas (Columbus, OH); sisters-in law Pearlie Crowell, Willie (Edward) Aaron, Rev. Ella McDonald, Doreen Everett (Sandusky, OH); brothers-in-law James McDonald and Fred McDonald (Sandusky, OH), Robert (Pat) McDonald (Columbus, OH); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family & friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Grady, two sons Kelvin L. Irby and an infant son Gary L. McDonald, her parents Watson J and Elnora L Harvey, two brothers Charlie Miller and Watson Harvey, Jr and one sister, Ora (Louis) Harvey Allen; sisters-in law Patricia Harvey, Ethel (Artie) McMillan, Gladys (Luther) Henson, Frankie McDonald, Fannie (Miller) Williamson, Marie McDonald and Eloise Harvey; brothers-in-law Charlie Crowell and DeWitt McDonald, Sr.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. on Friday, June 27th until time of service at 11am, at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1920 Shelby Street (Eddy Henry Way), Sandusky, OH where the Rev. Curtis L. Johnson, Jr. is Senior Pastor. Pastor Anthony Calloway will officiate. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bobbie Jean McDonald, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, June 27, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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New Jerusalem Baptist Church

1920 Eddy Henry Way, Sandusky, OH 44870

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Funeral Service

Friday, June 27, 2025

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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New Jerusalem Baptist Church

1920 Eddy Henry Way, Sandusky, OH 44870

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