Betty Jane Manker McDonald's Obituary
Betty Jane Manker McDonald went home to be with our Lord and Savior and her beloved husband of over 61 years, on August 21, 2025.
She was born on October 24, 1932, in Victoria, Arkansas, to Maudie Ryburn Manker. The family later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where Betty graduated from Humes High School.
Betty worked for many years as a legal secretary before becoming deeply involved in the Tennessee Pharmaceutical Auxiliary. A dedicated member, she served as a past president of the organization, while her husband Jimmy also held several prominent roles within the state’s pharmaceutical community.
She is survived by her devoted son, Kevin McDonald (Mary Jane); her brother, Ed Manker (age 95); her granddaughters, Kaitlin McDonald (Michael) and Kendall Hooper (Ethan); and her great-grandchildren, Emmett, Sutton, and Ellis Hooper. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Larry William Manker and Robert Frank Manker; and her sister, Sue Manker Givens (Neil).
Betty was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a loyal friend to all who knew her. She especially treasured family gatherings. Christmas was her favorite, and she proudly hosted it for many years. Always ready for an adventure, she loved traveling “south,” where trips to the casino became one of her favorite pastimes.
As her granddaughter Kendall lovingly shared: "To know her was to truly love her. She welcomed everyone with an open kitchen and a card game—just don’t put your elbows on her dining room table! She spoiled Kaitlin and me every chance she got, proudly calling it her ‘duty’ as our only living grandparent. She was always up for lunch dates, shopping sprees, sleepovers, and of course, casino trips—pretty much whatever was proposed, she said yes. Even in her final years, she never lost her kind heart. She was silly, supportive, and had the most generous spirit. She was my favorite person, and I’ll carry her with me always.”
A woman of deep faith, Betty never ended a day without saying her prayers. Her laughter, wisdom, and generous heart will be missed more than words can express.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital- Betty’s favorite charity and one she faithfully supported for many years.
We will gather to honor and celebrate Betty’s life on Tuesday, August 26, at Memorial Park, 5668 Poplar Ave., Memphis, TN 38119. Visitation begins at 2:00 PM, followed by a graveside service at 3:00 PM. After the service, all are warmly invited to Betty’s home at 7578 Emerald Greens Dr., Cordova, TN, for a celebration of her life.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38119 (901) 767-8930. “Where Memphis comes to remember, since 1924.”
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