Nancy M. Frederick

Nancy Carolyn McDonald Frederick

Nancy M. Frederick’s faith became sight on April 27, 2024, from her home in Fairhope, Alabama, with

her daughter by her side. She formerly lived many years in Flowood, Mississippi, before retiring to the

quaint coastal town of Fairhope on Mobile Bay’s eastern shore. She enjoyed neighbors who were like

family, a beautiful town filled with friendly faces, gorgeous seasonal flowers, and a wonderful church

home at Fairhope Avenue Baptist Church.

Nancy was born August 22, 1953, in Natchez, Mississippi, the third child and only daughter of the late

Anselem Harrison “Mac” McDonald and the late Vera Anderson McDonald. She was an active child

who enjoyed horseback riding, playing the piano, and playing alto saxophone in junior high band. She

learned to play the bassoon and excelled in high school band. Utilizing this strong musical skill set, she

later served at Colonial Heights Baptist Church in Jackson, MS, by playing bassoon in their Sunday

service orchestra as well as their special programs. Nancy was honored to serve as drum majorette for

the marching band, continued with piano/organ, participated in choral music, church choir, tennis and a

host of other activities. She was also a member of numerous clubs and organizations. Her lifelong love

for dogs, with one or more always by her side, had its genesis growing up in Natchez.

Teachers held a special place in her heart, and she was inspired by her own high school French teacher.

Subsequently, Nancy pursued this field of study at Mississippi State University, earning an

undergraduate and graduate degree. Additionally, during her years at MSU, she was a member of Kappa

Delta and served as editor. How special was the day when Nancy proudly took the helm of her own

classroom as she began teaching the language of French to students in Jackson, Mississippi, at high

school and college levels. She derived great enjoyment in leading students on trips to France so that they

could experience firsthand the art, history and language that served to enrich their studies and further,

facilitate extraordinary memories for a lifetime. She also taught French in Jackson, Tennessee, where

her husband’s medical practice was located.

Nancy remained ever grateful to her favorite cousin, David Graham, for introducing her to the love of

her life, Paul Frederick. Together they embarked on a wonderful journey, welcoming two precious

children whom they loved and adored. After medical school, the address changed from Jackson,

Mississippi to Jackson, Tennessee.

Tragically, Paul was killed in a vehicular accident. After a few years passed, Nancy chose to move her

family back to the Jackson, Mississippi, area in an effort to be closer to relatives and friends. As the kids

grew up and were off to college, Nancy began a new adventure by working as a paralegal in two

different law practices. Her work, research, and leadership were seemingly flawless in execution.

If you knew Nancy, you knew she could navigate the kitchen well. If you had a favorite food that you

wanted to eat, she would prepare it lovingly and have it on the table, even if it was a food she herself did

not care for. She especially enjoyed “Christmas baking” and then, arranging the baked goods in a

beautiful presentation for delivery. Longtime friends still have extra pounds because of her delicious

food through the years. And if you really knew Nancy, then, you knew her favorite food group (from

childhood through retirement years) was boiled peanuts! Her beverage of choice was Diet Coke, which

was always on hand in her home.

Nancy is best described by many friends and family who loved her as a Christian, beloved wife and

mother, decisive, loyal follower of all Mississippi State University sports, courageous, principled,

leader, fierce friend, passionate, straight forward, purposeful, stubborn, lifelong learner, generous,

“hostess with the mostest,” thoughtful, accomplished, resilient, meticulous keeper of the home,

prolific reader, musically gifted, determined, knowledgeable, perseverant, masterful with organizational

skills, teacher, avid fan of old movies and documentaries, great conversationalist, aficionada of classical

and 1960s music and cook extraordinaire!

Nancy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Clayton Frederick; her parents; brother,

Charles “Keith” McDonald; and cousin, David Graham.

Those who are left to cherish her memory are one daughter: Sarah Frederick Ricks and husband, Ryan,

of Conyers, Georgia; one son: William Clayton Frederick and wife, Brittany, of Brandon, Mississippi,

one granddaughter: Caroline Frederick of Brandon, Mississippi; one brother: Dale Harrison McDonald

and wife, Tina, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, as well as nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind an

array of devoted friends who became her family.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to precious neighbors who are truly “salt of the earth,” Gentiva

Hospice and Coastal Caregivers.

Memorials may be made to Wingard Home Ministry, 1279 N. West Street, Jackson, MS 39202-2059,

(or if you prefer, you may donate online @ wingardhome.org) or Fairhope Avenue Baptist Church,

8717 Fairhope Avenue, Fairhope, AL 36532.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

19698 GREENO RD.

FAIRHOPE, AL 36532

www.wolfefuneralhomes.com