Heather Lea McDonald
Heather Lea McDonald passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, as a result of injuries sustained in a fall in her home, two nights before.
Heather was born on May 26, 1970, in Kountze, Texas to Marilyn Hewitt and Gordon E. McDonald. She is survived by her brother Sean Patrick McDonald, of Kountze, Texas and his children Zoey, Lily, and Jaydon; McDonald first cousins, Cynthia J Scott of Gainesville, Georgia; Ami K Kennedy of Pasadena, Texas; Laura E Dobbins, of Evans, Georgia; Hewitt first cousin D. Mark Hewitt; the ‘love of her life’ Marcus Sugg of Arkansas, a dozen or more McDonald/McElroy/Hewitt second cousins throughout Texas and Arkansas; and, of course, her Houston Police Department family. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Heather graduated from Kountze High School in 1988 and received a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Criminal Justice from Lamar University. She joined the Houston Police Department on January 31, 1994, as a part of Cadet class 157.
Heather completed her Field Training at the Northeast Patrol Station in January 1995 and was then assigned to the Southeast Patrol Station, where she patrolled the streets of 14th district. She transferred back to the Northeast Patrol Station in March 2003 and continued to patrol, protecting and serving the citizens of Houston.
Her final assignment was as a Recruiter for the Houston Police Department. This was the perfect assignment for Heather, as she was so proud to be a Houston Police Officer. Known throughout the department for her love of animals, she always had bags of dog and cat food in her patrol car, ready to feed the stray animals in her districts.
Heather retired from the Houston Police Department on December 29, 2018, after 25 years of service to the Citizens of Houston. During her 25 years with the Houston Police Department, Heather received numerous awards and commendations, including a Mayor’s Commendation, 2 Chief of Police Commendations, 11 Supervisor Commendations, an Award of Excellence, a Chief of Police Unit Commendation, and 5 letters from citizens of Houston commending her for her service. Heather even delivered a baby while on the job!
She will be remembered for her blue eyes and beautiful smile and cheery disposition. Her laugh was contagious, and one of a kind. She was a world traveler and took every opportunity she could to see new places and experience exciting adventures, especially the Caribbean.
A gathering of Heather’s family and friends will begin at 1:00 p.m., with her funeral service at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 100 West Monroe, Kountze. Her interment to follow at Old Hardin Cemetery, Kountze. She will be buried with full Police honors by the Houston Police Department Honor Guard.
Heather will be laid to rest next to her parents, with whom she is now reunited, along with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
First Baptist Church-Kountze
- 100, West Monroe Street, Kountze, Texas, 77625,
- January 11, 2025
- 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Funeral Service
First Baptist Church-Kountze
- 100, West Monroe Street, Kountze, Texas, 77625,
- January 11, 2025
- 2:00 pm
Interment
Old Hardin Cemetery
- Old Cemetery Road, Texas, 77625,
RIP Heather 🙏🙏🙏
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF HEATHER. THE McDonald family has suffered so.much loss in the last couple of years.
I KNOW THAT THEY were prepared to see their Heavenly FATHER..RIP
Heather…..so many memories….all the way back to when you were born…your mom and dad were so proud……neighbors in Forest Acres, Becky was one of your babysitters…….Russell, a frequent guest checking up on the new addition….I am beyond sad.. Rest in Peace dear child……Love and prayers.
I recall the time Heather and Sean were kids and lived in Forest Acres. At the time my family owned a French poodle named Michelle. Heather and Sean couldn’t wait to pet Mitch as we called her. One night the McDonalds stopped off and Heather and Sean raced down the sidewalk to pet Mitch. I can still set Heather’s blonde hair and curls and the excitement on both her and Sean’s faces. They were adorable.
Heather, I’m so lost without our daily chats for hours on end. I loved listening to your stories, you always knew how to make me laugh. I do believe we covered our entire lives in one year. I was so happy you called me after so many years of just commenting on each others facebooks. We picked up right where we left off, but that’s what true friends do. I miss you my friend, until we meet again…….
Heather was the brilliance in the room.I marveled at her ability to make everyone around her feel happy and gravitate to her infectious smile and demeanor…..yes you will be missed.
Although this is composed for pilots, it is appropriate for a veteran police officer. Tailwinds my dear friend
The Final Flight
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard his call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the end of the day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things too I will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My Life’s been full, I savoured much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’ touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, He set me free.
My precious Heather,
My heart is so broken that you’re gone and I know I’ll see you again in Heaven with our Lord and Savior one day but for now I’m grieving so deeply because I can’t stand the thought of my life without you…
You truly are the Love of my life and I will love you forever and always!
Will miss our late night chats, your beautiful smile and sunshine attitude. Rest my dear, in Peace.