Mary Summers McDonald peacefully entered eternal rest on July 5, 2026, at the age of 90.

Born on November 19, 1935, in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, Mary was the beloved daughter of Charlie and Mary Mack Summers. She attended Voorhees Elementary School in Denmark, South Carolina, an institution founded by Elizabeth Evelyn Wright, the visionary educator who established what would become one of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Mrs. McDonald often spoke fondly of her years at Voorhees, sharing cherished memories of serving as a queen in school parades and developing her lifelong sewing skills through the school's home economics program. Those stories reflected not only her pride in her heritage but also her appreciation for the opportunities education provided.

Throughout her life, Mary believed that learning opened doors. That belief guided many of her life's decisions, including her participation in the Great Migration, when she moved to New York in search of greater opportunities. There she married the love of her life, Leroy McDonald, and together they raised three children.

Mary and Leroy valued education as the foundation for success. Demonstrating remarkable courage and vision, they chose to have their children attend newly integrated schools, believing that access to quality education would prepare them for a future filled with greater possibilities. Her commitment to learning and personal growth became a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of her family.

When her husband became ill, Mary devoted herself wholeheartedly to his care. For more than 30 years, she served as his loving and faithful caregiver with extraordinary compassion and dedication. One of his physicians remarked that Mr. McDonald's continued good health was due in large part to Mary's exceptional care and unwavering commitment. During this time, the family returned to Orangeburg to be closer to loved ones.

Following her husband's passing, Mary's passion for learning remained undiminished. After being away from the classroom for more than forty years, she enrolled at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. One of her proudest moments came when she appeared in a college commercial enthusiastically declaring, "After 40 years, I am back in school!" Her determination inspired countless others. While attending Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, she became a member of the Early Childhood Organization and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, recognizing her academic excellence and commitment to lifelong learning.

A woman of deep faith, Mary was an active and devoted member of Canaan United Methodist Church. She faithfully served on numerous committees, including the Florist Committee and the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, where she served as an officer. Her quiet leadership, servant's heart, and willingness to help wherever needed left a lasting impression on her church family.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leroy McDonald; her parents, Charlie and Mary Mack Summers; and all twelve of her brothers and sisters. With her passing, the final living descendant of Charlie and Mary Summers has been called home.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving children: Jacqueline McDonald Jamison (Edward) of Orangeburg, South Carolina; Vanessa McDonald Twine of Greenville, South Carolina; and Saadiq Abdulaziz (DeShonn) of San Antonio, Texas. She is also lovingly remembered by eight grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Simmons Funeral Home, 2868 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, South Carolina.

In honor of Mrs. McDonald's wishes, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

The family will receive friends at the home of Mrs. McDonald, 2380 Mall Terrace, Orangeburg, South Carolina, on Wednesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 9, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Additional information may be obtained through Simmons Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com