Gertrude Evadne McDonald-Riley

Gertrude Evadne McDonald also known as “Miss Gene” was born on March 18, 1947, at Jubilee Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica, to Ruby Taylor Parchment and Levi Adolphus McDonald. She shared life with siblings Carlton Parker, Deon Parchment, Leleta Gray Parchment, Ralph, Terry, Cherry, Keith, Trevor, Debbie, and Barbara McDonald. At eight years old, she moved to Saint Mary to live with her great-grandmother, returning to Kingston at 13. She attended Crescent All-Age School in Spanish Town. Gertrude worked in Jamaica at a pharmacy, Wisynco, and Waterboot Factory (now Thermo Plastic). She loved music, dancing, and took pride in keeping her home. She also taught herself how to sew and often made her own curtains, dresses, and even her grandchildren’s school uniforms. She was a quiet woman who kept to herself, a peacemaker who always tried to do the right thing. Her greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of fivechildren — Sandra Richardson, Alfred Richardson Sr. (Everton), Judith Saddoo, Earl Saunders, and Shevon James. She was also blessed with 21 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Gertrude was so proud that so much life came from her, and she cherished each one dearly. In the early 2000s, Gertrude moved to America and fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse by obtaining her CNA license. She was very hard-working, spending much of her time working and saving so she could bring her remaining children and grandchildren to America. She started her Christian journey at Full Gospel Fellowship Church, where she was baptized. She later became a devoted member at Baltimore Central Church of God. She deeply loved Jesus and lived her life as a woman of faith. In her later years, she married Bradley Riley. She enjoyed traveling, the beach, shopping, and eating mangoes, often reminding others, “Eat and be merry, for one day you’ll die.” After a long, brave battle with lung cancer, Gertrude passed away on September 9, 2025. She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Ruby Taylor Parchment and Levi Adolphus McDonald, as well as her siblings Ralph McDonald and Cherry McDonald. She leaves behind her 5 children, 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 4 sisters, 4 brothers, nieces, nephews, and a host of cousins, along with her son-in law and two daughters-in-law. She leaves with them a legacy of love, strength, and faith that will live on through all who knew her.

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Gertrude Evadne McDonald-Riley

March 18, 1947 - September 9, 2025