Mary L. McCants

March 5, 1926 - October 20, 2016

Mary L. McCants was born March 5, 1926 to the union of Willie and Fannie Mae Jones in Thomaston, Georgia. Mary was the 5th of nine children. As a young girl, Mary confessed her commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. Mary was educated in the Thomaston and Upson County Schools. In 1945, Mary married Charlie E. McCants. The following year Charlie and Mary blessed with the birth of their son, Charles Edward McCants. In 1947, Mary and her family relocated to Kalamazoo, Michigan. After their arrival in Kalamazoo, Charlie and Mary were blessed by the arrival of their only daughter Mivis and youngest son Dennis. Upon her arrival Kalamazoo, Mary joined Second Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Warfield. She was a faithful member of the choir, missionary society culinary committee, and served many times as chairperson of it’s women’s day and the Pastor’s anniversary. Nothing illustrated her love more than the beautiful flowers she planted around the ground of the church. Tough but fair, made Mary a landlord who was mentor, teacher and friend to her tenants. To know Mary was to know that hard work was her signature. There was no task she took on halfheartedly. She took pride in all she did. However, her first priority was her family. She loved her children and grandchildren with all her heart and was confidant to each of her siblings. Mary fully understood that to whom much is given much is required. When she saw a need in her community, she did her best to meet that need. Mary was a founding member of the Merry Makers Community Service Club where they provided tutors and mentors to Kalamazoo’s youth. They also awarded college scholarships to students. Mary was Past Imperial Deputy and Commandress of the Oasis to Alzabir Court #141. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Zorah Chapter #3 Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was an avid gardener and cook. She delighted in creating beautiful things and had the ability take the ordinary and transform it into something extraordinary. On Thursday, October 20, 2016, the Lord extended his hand and called Mary home to external rest. Mary’s loving husband, Charlie E. McCants; son Charles E. McCants and seven of her siblings preceded in death. Mary leaves precious memories to be cherished by: her daughter Mivis Matthews (Dudley), her son Dennis (Cynthia), daughter-in-law, Diann, her precious grandchildren Brandon Matthews, Charles W. McCants (Aisha Richardson), Cedric and Cherie McCants. Her sweet great grandchildren Malaya and Charles Peyton McCants; brother Fred Jones (Sandra); special Godchildren Gene and Ivory Gant; special friend Esther Fountain, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.