Major Jewel McDonald receives proclamation from the city of Louisville

By Elmetra Eichelberger Patterson

JA Guest Writer

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, Mayor Will appeared at the home of Mr. Major Jewel McDonald to present a proclamation from the city of Louisville, MS. Mr. McDonald was in the presence of his wife Brenda; his daughters visiting from Cleveland, OH, Barbara Aaron, Jacqueline McDonald, cousin Charles Hampton Sr., Nash’s Photography and this writer. Mr. McDonald genuinely welcomed Mayor Hill into his home. After the introduction to the family, Mayor informed them that he had come to present a proclamation declaring September 5, 2026 as MAJOR JEWEL MCDONALD DAY in honor of him being the oldest man in the USA. With a smile and  subtle laughter, Mr. McDonald listened as Mayor Hill read the proclamation. 

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the City of Louisville, Mississippi, takes great pride in recognizing individuals whose lives, accomplishments, perseverance, and contributions have enriched our community and left a lasting legacy for generations to come; and

WHEREAS, Major Jewel McDonald was born in Louisville, Winston County, Mississippi, on November 1, 1915, and has lived through more than a century of extraordinary changes in our nation, witnessing generations of history while remaining a cherished member of the Louisville community; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McDonald spent many years of his life in Ohio, where he built a successful career with The Kroger Company, before retiring and returning home to Louisville, Mississippi, in the early 1980s, fulfilling his longtime desire to return to the community where his life began; and

WHEREAS, after more than a century of life, Mr. McDonald continues to reside in Louisville, where he remains surrounded by his wife, Brenda, his family, friends, and a community that loves and honors him; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McDonald has been blessed with remarkable longevity and, according to the Gerontology Research Group, his age of 110 years has been validated, establishing him among America’s remarkable community of supercentenarians; and

WHEREAS, following the passing of Edwin “Ed” George Martin of Lehigh Acres, Florida, on July 24, 2026, at the age of 111 years and 159 days, Major Jewel McDonald was recognized as the oldest known living man in the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McDonald will celebrate his 111th birthday on November 1, 2026 – a remarkable 111 years on 11-1 – providing yet another extraordinary milestone in a life that has been a blessing to his family, friends, church, community, and country; and

WHEREAS, Mr. McDonald has not simply lived in Winston County; he has been a part of its fabric. Through the years, he has caught more than a few fish and shared them with more than a few friends, helping create memories, friendships, fellowship, and traditions that have reached throughout the Mt. Olive community and beyond; and

WHEREAS, the annual gathering associated with this tradition has become an opportunity for family, friends, neighbors, and the broader community to come together, celebrate life, enjoy fellowship, and honor a man whose remarkable journey represents a living connection to more than a century of Winston County history; and

WHEREAS, the City of Louisville recognizes that longevity is more than a number of years; it is the accumulation of memories, relationships, service, perseverance, family, friendship, and countless ordinary moments that together form an extraordinary life; and

WHEREAS, Major Jewel McDonald represents a remarkable living piece of the history of Louisville and Winston County – a son of this community who ventured away, built a life, returned home, and has continued to bless those around him through his presence, his friendships, his family, and his enduring spirit; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and appropriate that the City of Louisville pause to celebrate this extraordinary milestone and honor Major Jewel McDonald alongside his wife, Brenda, his family, his friends, and the many members of the Mt. Olive and Winston County communities who have shared in his life’s journey;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILL HILL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF LOUISVILLE, MISSISSIPPI, do hereby proclaim SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2026, AS “MR. MAJOR JEWEL MCDONALD DAY” in the City of Louisville, Mississippi, and call upon the citizens of Louisville, Winston County, and all who know and love Mr. McDonald to join together in celebrating his extraordinary life, remarkable longevity, family, friendships, and enduring connection to our community.

On this special occasion, we give thanks for the blessing of Major Jewel McDonald and for the privilege of having one of America’s oldest living men call Louisville, Mississippi, home.

May his continued years be filled with health, happiness, family, friendship, fellowship, and God’s abundant blessings.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the City of Louisville, Mississippi, to be affixed this 5th day of September, 2026.

 ATTEST:  Wanda C. Hudson, City Clerk; Will Hill, Mayor of Louisville