Vonda Lee McDonald-Thornton

June 7, 1955 - February 20, 2020

Vonda Lee McDonald Thornton was born on June 7, 1955 in Hazelwood, Pennsylvania. She was one of five children born to Willie McDonald and Helen Louise Workman McDonald. She peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from her residence in Hazelwood, Pennsylvania. Vonda attended the Pittsburgh Public Schools graduating from Gladstone High School in 1973. She furthered her education by attending Wheeler Business School. She was employed by the University of Pittsburgh as a Refund Clerk; worked at the Hill House Association as a Teacher's Aide; a Security Guard with the Pittsburgh Housing Authority and the United States Postal Service. In 1994 she met and married Williams Anthony Henry Thornton. They were together for over 25 years. Vonnie was an exceptional mother to her five children. She loved all of them with unconditional love and supported all their endeavors. She did what she thought was best for each of them. Vonnie was a fun loving individual and enjoyed spending quality time with her three sisters; they were an intricate support system for each other, always ready at a a moments notice. The sisters were known for aiding each other and in support as "doting aunts" to their nieces and nephews respectively. Vonnie was a fun loving individual who enjoyed spending time to herself. She had an infectious laugh that will be sorely missed by those she loved. She loved relaxing and listening to her music and watching western movies on television, She really enjoyed mediating and listening to gospel music and giving it all over to her Lord and Savior. Her favorite saying "I'm just enjoying my peace" resonate her personality at this time of her life. She was by no means an Angel but she had a good heart and tried to take care of everyone who she came in contact with Vonnie stepped in and was a very special caregiver to her beloved Aunt Gloria (Aunt G)who she cared for the past 16 years in her home. In spite of her own health issues, the two of them became inseparable and enjoyed each others company. Beautiful memories of our beloved Vonda will forever remain in the minds and hearts of all whom she has touched: her loving children: Derrick McDonald, Justin and Jason Thornton, Vaughn Dale Thornton, and Helen Thornton; beloved grandchildren: Keith, Sencere, Jada, Cameron, Nia and NeKyah; carling sisters: Charlotte McDonald, Sharon McDonald Murray and Alva McDonald; and a garden of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William McDonald Sr. and Helen Louise Workman McDonald; and brother, Willie McDonald Sr.