Stephanie Michelle Brunson-McDonald

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mrs. Stephanie McDonald.

Mrs. McDonald passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at McLeod Hospital in Florence, SC.

The family will receive friends at:

506 Noel Street, Hartsville, SC.

Arrangements will be announced by Davis Funeral Home, LLC of Hartsville, SC.

The Life and Legacy

“For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my

course, I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous

judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” II Timothy 4:6-8

STEPHANIE MICHELLE “PEBBLES” BRUNSON MCDONALD was born on February 2, 1975. A loving daughter of the late Dave Simon and Mary Brunson McIver. On February 23, 2025, Stephanie heard the Master call and went home to be with the Lord. 

Growing up in Russell Road Trailer Park, Stephanie formed friendships with many wonderful people whom she came to love like family. She even convinced her mother to start a dance group she called GWA, which stood for "Girls with Attitude." 

Stephanie was educated in the Darlington County Public School System and graduated from Hartsville High School in the Class of 1993. After high school, she worked at D&S Sub, where she was a loyal employee. During that time, two of her children were born. Stephanie then decided to pursue a career in cosmetology, a field she had a passion for since childhood. She enrolled in Florence-Darlington Technical College and earned a degree in cosmetology in 2004.

After becoming a licensed cosmetologist, she worked as an Instructor Assistant for several years. Over the years, her love for servicing nails and toes grew, while she eventually started working at Sally's Supply store until she became ill. As her health began to decline, she had to leave her job, but her grandchildren and nephews kept her busy. Despite her struggles, Stephanie never complained. She would often say, “I’m okay” or “Don’t worry about me, I am alright.” Her main concern was always for her “Allen.” She maintained “anyhow" praise, remaining steadfast in her faith despite her circumstances.

 On September 2, 2000, Stephanie married the love of her life, Deacon Allen McDonald. She loved her husband deeply and was never shy about expressing her feelings for him. Stephanie also had a strong faith in God, and she would quickly let others know about it. She was a member of Macedonia Holiness Church under the leadership of the late Bishop Leon McDonald, where she gave her life to Christ and vowed to serve Him with her whole heart. Later, Stephanie continued her Christian journey at Glorious Pentecostal Apostolic Church, led by Bishop Cynthia (Deacon Frank) Hickman. Throughout her life, she faithfully praised God wholeheartedly and made sure everyone knew she was saved and loved the Lord. No matter how she felt, she was determined to attend church because of her love for God. 

She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother David Brunson Sr., her sister Latrice Guy White, her baby boy Allen McDonald Jr., as well as aunts, uncles, grandparents, and her father-in- law. 

Stephanie is survived by her loving husband, Deacon Allen McDonald, of the home, and their three children: Joe (Kuiela) George IV of Byrdtown, SC, Khadijah (Octavius) Jones of Darlington, SC, and Alexis (Robert) McDonald of Hartsville, SC. She also leaves behind four granddaughters: Shykeria George, Ryleighn Gillespie, Starr Gillespie, and ShaRiyah Jackson, and one grandson, Brayden Bell. One sister, LaTonya Lucas, and five brothers: Tonal (Lucy) McLeod of Sanford, NC; David McLeod of Miami, FL; and Corey Eric Simon and David Hawkins, both of Hartsville. She helped raise two nephews, Terriyon Lucas and Tah’Jzehr Lucas.

She was raised alongside three cousins: Joseph Brunson Sr., Mary Brunson, and Lavonia Dolford. Additionally, she is survived by her mother-in-law, Betty LeSane; a special cousin, Lanie McPhail; sister-in-law Shernette LeSane; and two brothers-in-law, Terry Lucas, and Antwain (Renee) LeSane. Stephanie had two very special friends, Latoya Williams and Tasha Cooley, whom she considered sisters. She is also survived by two uncles: Ronnie Brunson of Darlington and Clarence Brunson of Hartsville; her aunt Lori James of Pompano Beach, FL; her godmother, Sylvia (Steve) Sellers of Byrdtown, SC; and her godson, Demarion Jenkins of Hartsville SC. A host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends that she loved dearly.