Jessica Torres Mcdonald

Jessica Torres McDonald, 46, of Charleston, SC passed away on April 13, 2025, from medical complications.

We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Jessica was born on March 20, 1979, to John C. McDonald and Amalia Torres McDonald in Charleston, SC. After Jessica graduated from Bishop England High School in 1997, she jumped directly into her passion of teaching, enriching, and improving the lives of preschool-aged children while at the same time attending classes at the College of Charleston and Trident Technical College in early childhood education.

Jessica began working in Charleston at Ashley River Baptist Church Child Development Center (CDC), and she continued her vocation to children internationally, while moving around Europe where she served as branch manager at the International School of the Hague Zein afterschool program, an assistant teacher at the International School Hilversum, and a teacher at Noah's Ark International daycare and at Robbie's Place Child Care Center in the Hague. When she returned to the United States, she worked again at Ashley River Baptist Church CDC and then worked as an in-home tutor and care giver for the young.

Jessica was the epitome of a colorful and creative organizer whether for life events, fun, travel or food and was always willing to help her friends with her talents. She loved so many activities and had so many adventures whether on or in the water, in the woods, city, mountains, or snow. In a tube, float, boat, kayak, car, moped, skateboard, skis, on a horse, snowboard or foot, she was on the go. Her friends remember her as a clogging pro.

Jessica was born with a caring soul that she shared with ALL animals and some people shown by her steadfast loyalty. She was not only generous in life, but also in death as an organ donor.

Although Jessica’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and she will live in our hearts forever.

Jessica was predeceased by her mother, Amalia Torres McDonald and half-brother, Rodney T. Bautista. She is survived by her father, John C. McDonald, and several beloved aunts, uncles and cousins both in the U.S. and in Europe.

A visitation will be held between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. Jessica will be interred at Live Oaks Cemetery, located in Charleston, SC. The burial will be private, with only close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer potted plants or donations to the Charleston Animal Society, https://charlestonanimalsociety.org because of Jessica’s love of animals.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.