Sister McCollum, daughter of the late Lather and Katie Anderson, was born May 12, 1928 in Pacolet, S.C.

Sister Louise as she was affectionately called, departed this life on Saturday, March 5th, 2022 at Olde Knox Commons Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Huntersville, North Carolina.

She was the wife of the late Walter David McCollum, Sr. They were married for fifty six years.

At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and joined the New Salem Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Pacolet, South Carolina. Her work history included working at Sears Roebuck in Spartanburg, South Carolina and Mabry’s Cleaners in Pacolet, South Carolina. Her last position was working with the State of South Carolina where she worked as a Home Health Aide for five years until she retired to help take care of her mother. She was also involved in church, school, and the Adult Education Program at Pacolet High School where she took night classes and received her high school diploma.

Mother McCollum was an active member of New Salem Zion Baptist Church all of her adult life where she served as a member of the Missionary Society. She was church secretary for over thirty years. She was a concerned caregiver who visited the sick and shut-in. She took care of her mother, father, husband, and her aunts and uncles until they died. She helped in their care with love, kindness and patience. She remained a faithful and loyal member of New Salem Zion Missionary Baptist Church until her health declined and she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2013 to live with her only daughter, Doris. Mother Louise often enjoyed talking to young adults, giving those words of encouragement and inspiring them. Mother Louise was a woman of strength who believed in her God and stood on His promises. She was a motivator and an encourager.

She was a woman of strength, full of protection, like a “body guard” for her children and grandchildren. She was a Christian lady who shared her joy with all who would listen.

Sister McCollum leaves to treasure her love and legacy, her children: Walter David (Boncile) McCollum, Jr., Cowpens, South Carolina, Otis Sterling (Lois) McCollum, Huntersville, North Carolina, and Doris McCollum Banks, Charlotte, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; six great grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephew’s relatives and friends.

A Celebration of the Life of Mary Louise McCollum will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at The John Stinson Woodward Memorial Chapel, 602 Howard St., Spartanburg, SC. Livestream will be available via Facebook on the TEEFERGUSONREPORT.