Abbey H. McNair

ABBEY KELLY HODNETT MCNAIR, eighty-five, a native of Reidsville, North Carolina, died peacefully in her sleep at the home of her daughter in the Atlanta area on Tuesday December 21, 2010 from the effects of Alzheimer’s disease. The daughter of Herman and Addie Mae Hodnett, she was born on May 8, 1925. She was an active student in sports and academics which led her to attend Morgan State College where she met her future husband from Lincoln University, Martin B. McNair. Martin and Abbey were inseparable and were married for forty-three years. While juggling family, work and other responsibilities, Abbey returned to college and graduated from Morgan State University (66). Her example demonstrated that she greatly valued education and she imparted this to her children. She continued her education earning her Masters in Special Education from Coppin State. Following graduation, Abbey taught in the Baltimore Public School System until she retired. While raising a family in Baltimore, Abbey and her family were active members of Milton Avenue United Methodist Church. She enjoyed gardening, travel, sewing and cooking. Remember those German Chocolate Cakes Jell-o Pound Cakes, Lemon Meringue Pies, Banana Pudding, Coconut Cake with pineapple between the layer, etc.? She served at her church, sang in the choir, assisted her husband with a Boy Scout Troop, took part in various social events and loved family reunions. She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin B. McNair. She lived with her daughter in Pennsylvania and Georgia for the past ten years. She is survived by her sister, Annie Bass of Reidsville, North Carolina; her children, Yvette Rawlings (Guy), Martin McNair, Jr. (Lola),Ronald Keith McNair (Stephine) and Annetta Tyler (Delbert); and Abbey was very proud of her grandchildren, Guy, Warren and Ryan Rawlings, Ginger, Marty and Tenisha McNair, Cleo McNair, Melissa, Delbert II and Maya Tyler; her six great-grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. To Abbey’s children she was disciplinarian, homemaker and teacher. She showed her love through her actions, not just words. We will always remember Mom’s commitment, dedication and love to her family.

Tributes

Abbey H. McNair

December 21, 2010