Mary Mccants

MARY ALICE MCCANTS passed away from this life into eternal rest on the evening of Saturday, November 26, 2022, at the age of eighty-six. Mary was the beloved wife of Elie McCants Jr. Together, Elie and Mary had eight children.

Mary was born on Sunday, February 16, 1936, to Nettie and Clayton Gibson, Sr., in Chambers County, Alabama. Through their union, Mary had five siblings.

Mary had a passion for shopping, keeping her Wednesday hair appointments, and then eating with her daughters after they spent time together shopping. Mary was also known in her community for her generosity. In her early years, Mary was a Child Care Provider for Franklin County. She provided transportation to and from school, hot meals and snacks for after school care, and hats and gloves whenever needed. Parents could always rely on Mary to look after their children.

It was known that Mary enjoyed watching sports and going to football games, supporting her family and many of their extracurricular activities, whether they were playing football or cheering. Sports became a family tradition for her children. Later, that tradition was passed down to her beloved grandchildren.

Mary was affectionately known as “MaMa” to her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. According to her grandchildren, the sun rises and sets in their beloved MaMa. Mary loved her family dearly and wanted nothing but the best for them. It went without saying, if there was a need, “you better call MaMa!” She provided in so many ways: Homecoming Dances, High School Proms, College, Baby Showers for our children, Ballet Dances, Volleyball, Track & Field, Basketball, and Football.

Mary Alice, (the name her father gave her, but our father pronounced it with no separation “Mayralis”) Mom, MaMa, Grandma . . . with hung down heads and heavy hearts, we will cherish all these memories that you have provided. We want to say thank you for just being “You”! - Fearfully and Wonderfully Made - Psalm 139:14.

GOD, WE WANT TO THANK YOU for lending Mom to us for eighty-six years. Mary, Mom, MaMa, Grandma, now it’s time for God to provide you with your wings. On that night, angels carried you away leaving us behind. Mary Alice McCants was preceded in death by her beloved husband, The Elie McCants Jr.; loving son, Michael A. McCants; and grandsons, Gary J. McCants Jr. and Gregory L. Edwards; siblings, Jacob Gibson, Isaac Gibson, and Clayton Gibson Jr.; and her niece, Phleshana Edrice (Trammell) Smith.

Left to cherish memories of Mary’s life are her children, Gary J. McCants, Carolyn Y. Butler, Gregory S. (Annette) McCants, Deborah K. (Darrell) Hunter, Deborah A. (George) Edwards, Karen Hampston-McCants, and Kevin L. (Karen) McCants; sister, Louise Lane; brother, Richard (Emma Pearl) Gibson; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Gibson and Pearlie Gibson; twenty-one grandchildren; fifty-two great grandchildren; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, extended family, and dear friends.

BELOVED WIFE, MOTHER,

CHERISHED GRANDMOTHER AND GREAT GRANDMOTHER

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