Gloria Soley McDonald

Gloria Soley McDonald, a native of Golden Meadow, Louisiana, and a resident of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on January 7, 2026. She was born on January 23, 1942 in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, to Optez Joseph and Evelia Dardar Soley. She married Robert C. McDonald in 1965, and moved to Bastrop, Louisiana, where she raised all of her children. In 2004, she and Robert moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where their youngest children lived.

Gloria spent most of her life as a homemaker and assisted her husband, Robert, with his business. She was a devoted grandmother and spent her latest years caring for her grandchildren in Birmingham, Alabama.

Gloria is survived by her children: Robert D. McDonald (Stephanie), and Keith L. McDonald (Margaret); her step-children: Johnny L. McDonald, and Alesia McDonald King (Mark); her grandchildren: John Thomas Hindmon, Katie Hollis, Arden McDonald, Beckett McDonald, Matt McDonald, Eli McDonald, and Avery McDonald; her great-grandchildren: Reed Hollis, Hadley Hollis, and Grey Hindmon; her sisters-in-law: Lenny Soley and Carolyn Soley.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, Robert C. McDonald; her parents: Optez and Evelia Soley; her brothers: Clayvington Soley, Harris Soley, and Clifton Soley; her sister: Deloria S. Dantin; and one sister-in-law, Patsy Soley.

A private graveside will be held for the family at Cheramie Cemetery on January 31, 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, located at 15300 West Main Street, Cut Off, Louisiana, 70345, or to Aloysius Catholic Church located at 751 Academy Drive, Bessemer, Alabama, 35022.