Bobbie McDonald Obituary

Bobbie Jean (Harvey) McDonald

Aug 14, 1937 - Jun 15, 2025

Sandusky

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

Bobbie joined the church at an early age at Union Baptist No. 2, under Pastor G. C. Cobb, where she was active in Baptist Training Union (BTU) and Young Ushers Guild throughout her young adult years.

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

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, where she was a member for 40 years. Bobbie later joined Gypsum Tabernacle Church, Port Clinton, Ohio, which was later renamed Nation of Christ Life Center.

Bobbie was employed by several grocery stores and 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. Bobbie also served on the Board of Directors for several non-profit youth organizations.

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) and Karen McDonald (Charlotte, North Carolina); sister, Vera (Jesse) Jackson (Las Vegas, Nevada); brothers, Joe Harvey (Sandusky) and Ret. Col. P. Lee (Sandra) Harvey (La Plata, Maryland); granddaughters, Janell (Calvin) Thomas (Columbus), Dania(Gary) Kenty (Columbus); grandson, Jeremy Newell (Sandusky); great-grandsons, Garrison, Graydan, Gunnar Kenty and Roman Thomas (Columbus); sisters-in-law, Pearlie Crowell, Willie (Edward) Aaron, Rev. Ella McDonald, Doreen Everett (Sandusky); brothers-in-law, James McDonald and Fred McDonald (Sandusky), Robert (Pat) McDonald (Columbus); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and 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 a 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. until time of service at 11 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, Sandusky, with the Rev. Curtis L. Johnson Jr. as Senior Pastor. Pastor Anthony Calloway will officiate, and the Rev. Dr. Marques Harvey will be eulogist. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery.

Arrangements entrusted to Brown-Robinson Funeral Home, 1814 Milan Road, Sandusky, OH 44870.

Condolences may be shared at www.brownrobinsonfuneralhome.com.