Anita D. “Neet” McDonald
Anita D. “Neet” McDonald, 89, of 22nd Street, Jamestown, N.Y., passed away Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, at UPMC Chautauqua surrounded by family.
She was born May 11, 1929, in Morgantown, W. Va., the daughter of the late William and LaFronia Chloe Dunlop.
Anita earned her master’s degree in sociawork from West Virginia University.
Anita’s main priority was raising and caring for her daughter. When her daughter went off to college she started working as a psychiatric social worker at Family Services and later worked for Chautauqua County Mental Health.
Among some of her many activities Anita was the first African American Chautauqua County social worker, past president of YWCA Board of Directors, past chairperson of the YWCA Public Affairs Board, founding member of the Ebony Task Force, member of the American Association of University Women, 1997 Woman of the year, 2007 Grand Marshal Jamestown Juneteenth Festival, past president of the Chautauqua County Baptist Women’s Association, past vice president and charter member of the Jamestown Links Chapter, served on the Board of Trustees at Jamestown Community College, charter member of the Chautauqua County Youth Bureau, and a member of the Jamestown Girls Club Board of Directors.
An active member of Emmanuel Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving as financial secretary, chairperson of the Trustee Board, president of the Missionary Society, a past leader of the Youth Group and Jr. Choir, piano player and Sunday school superintendent. Last Spring, she was awarded the Catherine Harris Civics Award and June 24, 2017, was proclaimed Anita McDonald Day by the mayor of Jamestown.
Anita is survived by her daughter, Janicemarie McDonald (Michael Forness); her brother, William (Constance) Dunlop II; two grandsons: Daniel (Kumi) Oropeza of Japan and Michael Phillips of Jamestown; her great-granddaughter, Lily Oropeza; and several others who knew her as Grandma.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, James J. McDonald, whom she married Dec. 27, 1950, and who died Jan. 13, 2011.
Memorial contributions may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 53 W. 23rd St., Jamestown, NY 14701.
Family and friends may call at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 53 W. 23rd St., Jamestown, on Monday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon. A funeral service will be held there at noon. The Rev. LeRoy Walker, pastor of the church will officiate. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Lakewood, N.Y..
To light a candle or to send condolences to Anita’s family please visit www. presentsixbeyfuneral.com.