Cydney McDonald Harrison Teipel

Cydney McDonald Harrison Teipel passed away peacefully at age 59 September 8, 2025 in Macon, Georgia surrounded by loved ones and her precious pup Molly after a five- year journey with Alzheimer’s. Cydney was born on May 27,1966 in Macon, Georgia to Mr. and Mrs. James McDonald and would spend most of her years here with close friends and family. It was the charismatic smile she had her whole life that drew people to her, but it was her warmth, compassion, drive and love that kept them a part of her life long after the introduction. She never stopped meeting people and always invited them into her heart with a vulnerability that made her much loved and connected to so many hearts. Cydney’s unique gift was seeing everyone and connecting with them and it usually started with a smile that just drew people to her. Her sphere of influence and connectivity never had social boundaries, so her life was richly layered in humanity.

As a majorette in the Sugar Bear Band and member of Sigma Mu Beta sorority at Central High School she would lead by example and have a ball at formals and football games. She loved to perform with friends and these friendships carried her all the way to the end of her life with bonds of sisterhood. After high school she attended college at Valdosta State University where she again marched onto the football field as a Blazer majorette and pledged Kappa Delta sorority. True to her nature, it wasn’t long before she was a Resident Adviser and big sister to plenty of younger students. While at VSU, her academic calling was strong as well and Cydney declared her major as Speech Pathology and went on to graduate school at Georgia State University for her master’s degree. Her teaching career would begin in Gwinnett County schools and end with various school posts for Bibb County Education.

The next chapter proved to be full of job opportunities, good times, new lifelong friends, marriage and babies. Cyd would embrace and cherish motherhood, volunteering with children’s programs, ministry and sports. She was a gracious host always wanting to share her home with others. Church and faith were a big part of her life with attendance at North Macon Presbyterian growing up, and later Forest Hills Methodist and eventually Martha Bowman UMC. The football field also called her back, but this time as a devout Auburn fan with her husband and family for gameday tailgates. Her love of Auburn continued to cried “War Eagle” for her adult years and she shared many great times wearing blue and orange.

Cydney approached all her endeavors with complete dedication. Whether engaging in equestrian activities, playing tennis, organizing events, decorating, participating in water sports, celebrating holidays, or especially caring for her nieces, family friends, patients at HealthSouth, and students within Bibb County schools, she demonstrated unwavering loving commitment and professionalism. Her contributions had a significant and positive impact on the children at Union and Hartley elementary schools, where appreciative parents recognized her efforts and expressed deep regret at the loss of her talent due to illness.

As years passed and she would continue being open to new experiences and a love that brought a new husband, her bright spirit would engage more friends while she embraced it all. She discovered the peace and fun of lake life and it became a very favorite spot with family, friends and her dogs. She had a lovely disposition and love for the Lord that served her well, so that even when her time came to live at Watercrest, a memory care facility, she became a beloved resident and would bring her own special sunshine to light, endearing her to residents and staff.

Cydney is celebrated by her family that loved her with all their hearts in her husband John “Trooper” Teipel, her children Alex Harrison and Caroline Harrison Pardue and her husband Will, her step-children Ansley Teipel and Evan Teipel, her mother Doris McDonald Smith, sister Jill McDonald Sistino and her family, Ray, Isabelle and Mary Agnes Sistino and her step-mother Anita Porto McDonald. Cydney is preceded in death by her father, James Carroll McDonald and her step-father, John Randolph Smith and step-sister Leigh Smith. Additional step-family and many aunts and cousins around Georgia have watched her grow up and will cherish her in their lives.

A celebration of life service will be held Saturday September 13, 2025 at Harts Mortuary at the Cupola, 6324 Peake Road, Macon, Georgia. All attendees are invited for visitation at 1:00 pm, with a service following at 2:00 pm. In recognition of the vibrancy of how Cydney lived her life, bright cheerful attire is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcome donations for research and support for Alzheimers:

https://www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers/alzheimers-disease-research/    or  https://www.alz.org/    

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.