Juanita "Nita" C. McDonald

Juanita “Nita” C. McDonald, passed away on August 4, 2026, at the age of 85, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on December 6, 1940, to the late Vincent Cambre Sr. and Juanita Cambre.

Nita was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She devoted her life to caring for others and lovingly raised her six children. She created a home for them filled with compassion and unconditional love. For 51 years Nita faithfully and selflessly cared for her special needs daughter, Shelly, with patience and tenderness.

Nita is preceded in death by her loving parents; her father-in-law, Artis McDonald; her sons, Buddy, Brent and Jeff Cline; her daughter, Shelly Marie; her sister, Margaret Ann; and her brothers, Jimmy and Eddie.

She is survived by her loving husband, Leland McDonald, of 32 years; her daughter, Donna; her son Ricky (Wendy); her stepchildren, Rodney, Mandy and Brian; her brothers, Butch and Paul (Mary); 14 grandchildren, three step grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Resthaven Funeral Home, 11817 Jefferson Highway in Baton Rouge. A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 9:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory.

Honoring Nita as pallbearers are Rodney McDonald, Shane Pittman, Buddy Cline Jr., Joey Cline, Blake Cassels and Brannon Dungan.

Nita’s family wishes to extend their gratitude to Pastor Jeff Stanfield, for his words of comfort throughout the years, and for officiating her funeral services. Nita and Leland were long-term members of the Covenant Community Church family.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.