Americus McIver Sr.

AMERICUS MCIVER, son of Benjamin Frank McIver and Carrie Johnson was born on August 27, 1939 in Conway, South Carolina. He departed this life on April 8, 2024 peacefully in his sleep. Americus, affectionately known as “Mack,” received his education in the Darlington, South Carolina Public School System. After graduating from Mayo High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army from which he was Honorably Discharged with distinction. He then moved to Baltimore, Maryland to set out on his journey of earning a living and becoming a family man. While getting to know his way around the City of Baltimore he met the love of his life Bernadine Marcella Meade. They jumped the broom on June 30, 1962 and from that union four sons were born, Anthony, Antoine, Americus, Jr. and Leonardo. Mack supported his family by working at Stella Maris Nursing Home. He then moved to Elite Diaper Services where he was the first African-American route delivery driver. Looking for more job security and benefits to support his growing family, Mack sought and received employment with the City of Baltimore’s school system where he was placed in the mail room as a mail deliverer. He rose through the ranks to become the Supervisor of the mail room. He received many accolades and formed many valuable relationships. Wanting more out of life Mack knew he would have to add some education to his resume. He spent two and half years pursuing higher education. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Sojourner-Douglass College while working for the City of Baltimore, holding down several part time jobs and being an active Prince Hall Freemason. Where did he find the time and the energy to do all of that? Mack was promoted to Department Head of City of Baltimore’s school system’s Printing Division where he made a major impact as a compassionate, but stern leader until he retired. That type of leadership also made him a well-respected Prince Hall Mason. He was the long-standing Worshipful Master for Jerusalem Lodge #59, a Shriner with Jerusalem Temple #4 and an Eastern Star with Maggie C. Upshur Chapter #53. Mack also belonged to several other coordinate Masonic bodies as well serve on many committees to facilitate the forward progress of the fraternity. Being a Prince Hall Mason was also a family endeavor. Two of his sons, two of his brothers and a host uncles and cousins are members of the Craft. When his sons were growing up, the highlight of their summers was the Grand Lodge session that was then held in Hagerstown, Maryland. This was an occasion where all of the families in the Maryland jurisdiction came together to fellowship, to worship and to just have a plain old good time. And what a time they had. Mack’s life priorities were his faith, his family and his fraternity. He gave a master class of time management by devoting equal time to those three areas of his life. He mentored and provided wise counsel to all those around him; not just by words, but by how he showed up in the world as a man of God, as a father and as a man among men. The world is a lesser place because of his departure from it. He leaves to enjoy the memory of his life: his loving wife of 61 years, Bernadine; sons, Anthony (Efrika) and Antoine (Frances), (Americus Jr. known as “Tweet”and Leonardo known as “Buttons” preceded him death); nine great-grandchildren with a special bond with LeMontez Jr. known as “Doobie”; five brothers, Benjamin (Charlotte), Ray (Shirley), Joe Louis (Cynthia), Glen and Michael (Shana); one aunt, Frances Dickens; four sisters, Carolyn, Benzener, Vanessa and Sharann (Rhodney); six brothers-in-law, Cornell Joe, Rhodney Toatley, Alphonso Williams, Randalph Mitchell (Barabra), James Mitchell and Clarence Neal Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. His six sisters preceded him in death, Frances Hart, Elma Joe, Carey-Mae Samuels, Eva Mae Jackson, Lila Backus and Jacqueline Williams.

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Americus McIver Sr.

August 27, 1940 - April 8, 2024