Karen Yvonne Mcdonald-Smith

Celebrating the Life of

Karen Y. McDonald – Smith

Sunrise: July 4, 1947 - Sunset: January 9, 2023

Karen was born to Edna M. Dowell and lovingly raised by her grandparents Thomas E. McDonald and Mary McDonald – Saulsberry. Karen was born and raised in Pontiac, MI where she graduated from Pontiac Central High School. Karen worked for General Motors Corp before changing careers, leading her to St Joseph Mercy Hospital - Oakland where she worked in culinary until she retired. Karen enjoyed shopping, cooking, bowling, arts and crafts, traveling, and spending time with her family. Karen became a faithful member of Bible Fellowship Church where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Karen enjoyed the services, bible study, and church family.

Karen leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 42 years Mr. Clifton Smith; daughter, Uteeya (Maria) Whitaker; son, Jessie Whitaker Jr.; sister, Dorothy Dowell all of Pontiac, MI; nieces, Danedra (Ed) Wilson, Hope (Roy) Burgess, Chanelle Dowell, and Dandera G. Dowell, and special niece Autumn Daniels – McNair; nephews, Kevin Hamler, Stacey Boyd and Keon Dowell; Godson, Joe (Chara) Long; and very special friends, Betty Lewis, Sharon Devealt, and Mable Goldsmith–Jones, also including a host of other loving family and friends.

Karen was preceded in death by her mother the late Edna M Dowell, and grandparents Thomas E. McDonald and Mary McDonald – Saulsberry; sisters, Abigail Dowell and Louise Williams; brothers, Charles H. and Bruce Dowell; and nephews, Charles Dowell Jr. and Toby Dowell.

Karen will be greatly missed!

The family will receive friends for visitation on Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home, Pontiac Chapel. Burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Pontiac, Michigan.