Dena McDonald

Psalm 108:4 For Great is your Love, Higher than the Heavens; Your Faithfulness reaches to the skies. Dena Lynn McDonald, 54, on Monday, January 20, 2025, in Gary, Indiana suddenly left us. Dena was a woman of extraordinary beauty—inside and out—whose warmth, love, and magnetic presence left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Born on February 26, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, Dena was the cherished daughter of Sharon “Heavy” Farmer and Frank C. Chaplin III. Dena was Also blessed with the guidance and love of her bonus dad, Eddie Booker. She attended Kenwood Academy and was a Proud Bronco, where she first began to cultivate her creative spirit and passion for beauty. A talented beautician, Dena had an eye for detail and a gift for making others feel confident and valued. Dena’s life was a symphony of love, music, and culture. Dena was a force of nature who lit up every room she entered. She was fluent in the language of connection—whether through her infectious laughter, sign language, or symbolizing her commitment to inclusivity and understanding. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she poured her heart into raising incredible children who are brilliant, artistic, and filled with an indescribable love that reflects her own. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Walter McDonald, their children, the apple of her eye-Appleten, her son shine Ayon and her dancing partner Angelyn McDonald, and her beloved firstborn daughter-her skittles Alex Taren Muhammad, whom she lovingly raised with Wallace Muhammad. Dena also shared a bond like no other with her mother, Sharon, whom she cared for every day. She adored her siblings and if one sibling Wasn't available, otherwise she’d call on her cousins, who were her extended siblings as well. Dena’s joy for life was contagious. She loved visiting her siblings, celebrating family milestones, and creating memories filled with laughter and love. Her magnetic spirit drew people to her effortlessly, and she gave that energy back tenfold. Dena is preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Noel and Lucy Hornsberry; paternal grandparents - GrandMa Dran; her maternal aunt, Sondra; and several other beloved relatives. She is survived by her siblings bUSTER, Pamela (Poco), Vincent,Brian, Christopher(Chris), Brian (LIl B), Frank ( Franco) & Marques maternal aunts- Sylvia , Sonya (Mommy Sonya WHOM SHE NAMED) and uncle- Noel(Crystal), paternal aunts and uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws, all of whom she loved deeply. Dena meant “a friend to all,” and her legacy of love, kindness, and connection will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her. we share these words from the poet Maya Angelou: "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." Dena’s thrived with passion, compassion, humor, and unmatched style. Her legacy of love, strength, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her. The family encourages you to honor Dena’s memory by sharing a story, listening to music that makes your soul smile, and spending time with the people you love most. MAY PEACE BE EVER WITH YOU MY WIFE, MY DAUGHTER, MY MOTHER, MY SISTER, MY AUNT, My Niece, MY COUSIN, AND MY FRIEND. AMEN & last tag! A service of remembrance and celebration will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025 promptly at 11 a.m. at Jubilee Faith Community 17450 Pulaski Rd. Country Club Hills, IL 60478. Please note limited capacity. Family requests that you wear a shade of blue in her honor. In lieu of flowers, an announcement will be made at the service with how to support the children.

Tributes

Dena McDonald

February 26, 1970 - January 20, 2025