Mary McCollum

On December 16, 1947 in Dillon, South Carolina, Mary McCollum was born too the late Geneva McKoy and Gurley McCollum. Mary did not come into this world alone; her late brother, Joseph McCollum, joined her. On September 23, 2011, after an 11-year battle with stage 4 lung cancer, Mary went home to join those who preceded her in death. During Mary’s life she attended many schools. She completed her high school education at Douglass High School in Baltimore, Maryland in 1964. Fall of 1964, Mary began her college career as one of the First black students to attend the, Then segregated, University of North Carolina at Pembroke. In 1968, Mary completed her undergraduate work at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and went on to graduate school. After settling down and beginning a family, Mary decided to continue her education. She finally completed her education with a Master’s degree in Social Work in 1983. Mary joined Pilgrim Christian Baptist Church at an early age while the church was under the leadership of the late pastor and founder, Linnion Wilson. Mary rededicated her life to Christ and was baptized on September 10, by the current pastor, Pastor James E. Forman. Until her passing, Mary was a committed, faithful, and supportive member of Pilgrim Christian Baptist Church. Mary was a woman who loved God. For over 10 years, her life was a testament to her strong relationship with Jesus Christ. She was affectionately known as Momma Mary, Peppie, or Toni. No matter what name you called her, No matter what name you called her, she still remained the same person. If you spent a few minutes with Mary, then you instantly knew that she was extremely family oriented. She loved her children and family unconditionally. Mary’s unconditional love extended beyond her own family and onto all that she called friend. Everyone believed that they were her favorite. It was a gift to be able to make everyone feel special without expecting anything in return. She was always available to lend a helping hand, a motherly ear, or a chest to cry upon. Mary was a remarkable woman. All who knew her also knew that she was her son’s, Carl Joseph, Biggest fan. She loved all the kids that played on his team and treated each as her own son. Until her health deteriorated, Mary could be heard screaming in support of “her boys”, win or lose. She was also a huge Raven’s fan. On Sundays, Mary could be heard cheering on her beloved Ravens. Mary was committed to defending the underdog. She believed everyone had a voice and a duty to use it! She used her voice to encourage everyone to continue their education. Mary believed in learning something new every day. She passed her love of education to her children. Both of her children have continued their education. Mary refused to allow her children or anyone else’s child to believe that they could not succeed. Failure was not an option! She leaves to cherish her memory: her children, Melissa Gray and Carl Joseph; one goddaughter, Cierra Perry; one godson, Devontaye Lee; three sisters, Marie Carmichael, Ellaree Neptune and Lola Jenkins; two brothers-in-law, Herbert E. Carmichael Sr. and Solomon Neptune; an uncle, Benjamin McKoy of Rowland, NC; five nieces, Eleanor McCullough (Vastine), Yvonne Morris, Paulette Scotland (Errol), Lynette Harried (Jan) and Genitra Neptune; four nephews, Hubert E. Carmichael (nephews Bryant K. McCollum and James A. Morris preceded her in death). She also leaves behind: her “Howard County Boys”, Matthew and Anthony Ernest, Emanuel and Vernon Harper, Roland Coleman-Bey, the Blair family and a whole host of friends and family.

Tributes

Mary McCollum

December 16, 1947 - September 23, 2011