Dr. Miriam McTeer Abernathy
Passed 03/26/2023
Dr. Miriam McTeer Abernathy was born on December 21, 1926 and was the second child and only daughter of the late Dr. E.B. (Mack) McTeer and Mrs. Claudia Geneva White McTeer of Orangeburg, South Carolina. Miriam attended Felton Training School on the campus of South Carolina State University. Her high school education was completed at Mather Academy in Camden, South Carolina.
She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics from Bennett College, Greensboro, North Carolina, a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree in Food and Nutrition and Nutrition and Biochemistry, respectively from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She was the first African American to receive a doctoral degree from the School of Home Economics at the University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Miriam’s professional career began at South Carolina State University, where she first served as Assistant to the Cafeteria Manager. She then worked as an Instructor, Assistant Professor, Professor and Chair of the Department of Home Economics at Tennessee State University in Nashville. Her last 25 years in post-secondary education were spent as a Professor of Nutrition and Coordinator of the program in Food and Nutrition at South Carolina State University.
She was married to the late Dr. Robert O. Abernathy from Dallas, Texas, who was a Professor and Chair of the Department of Mathematics at South Carolina State University. Together, they travelled extensively, visiting 70 countries and six continents. Miriam made the voyage with her sister-in-law, Dr. Mamie Abernathy McKnight to the seventh continent, Antarctica.
Miriam was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church where she served on the Trustee and Administrative Boards, as a collection steward, and as a member of several committees. She was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Women. She was a member of the Board of Trustees at Claflin University for 19 years. Dr. Abernathy was also a devoted member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Miriam was a Registered Dietitian with the American Dietetic Association and was the first African American to serve as president of the South Carolina Dietetic Association. After her retirement in 1994, she embarked on a very active career as a realtor.
Her volunteer activities included TRMC auxiliary and TRMC Hospice both at the Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg. She also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Miriam loved traveling, playing the piano, playing word games and pinochle, and flower gardening. She was dedicated to her work as an educator – one who enjoyed and always delighted in helping others learn.
In addition to her parents, Dr E.B. and Mrs. McTeer, Miriam was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert O. Abernathy, her brother, Dr. William Austin McTeer, and her nephew William A. McTeer, Jr.
Miriam leaves to cherish her loving memories her cousin who she considered a son, Anthony F. Williams (Angela) of Hopkins, SC along with his mother Barbara J. Williams of Orangeburg, SC, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will miss her dearly, but rejoice that she is with the Lord.
Visitation will be held Thursday, March 30, 2023, from 12:00pm - 6:00pm.
Family and friends may visit the residence, 1310 Ward Lane, Orangeburg or call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg, SC.
Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and masks are required during visitation and funeral services.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonfuneralhome.com