Mary Magdalene (Thompson) McCants

Ms. Mary Magdalene McCants, age 81 of Sanford, NC transitioned into eternal rest on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at her residence. 

On September 15, 1941, in Gulf, NC God shined down on Ernest and Jannie Thompson with the birth of their last child. God gifted them with a beautiful baby girl they named Mary Magdalene Thompson.  Mary was the baby of nine; therefore, earning her the nickname “Babe”.  Mary's siblings spoiled her: Will, Margie, Nathaniel, Joe Clarence, Clyde, Walter, and Rob who all preceded her in death, and Katherine who loved her until the end. 

Mary was educated at Goldston Colored High School which became J.S. Waters Public School in 1956.  While at J.S. Waters School she was a member of the Glee Club, Crown and Scepter Club, 4-H Club, and New Homemakers of America (NHA).  While in school she became lifelong friends with Doretha Alston and Ruby Singletary who supported her through her illness.

One Saturday in downtown Sanford, Mary with her captivating smile met the love of her life Robert H. McCants. They were married on August 13, 1963, in Bennettsville, SC. To this union, a girl was born and they named her Angela Maria McCants. Later in life, they made the difficult decision to go their separate ways.

At an early age, Mary dedicated her life to Christ and joined Macedonia AME Zion Church where her mother and father were active members.  She was able to express her love for music by joining the choir, which she remained in for over sixty (60) years.  She was the president of the choir for several years.  Mary was ordained a deaconess by Rev. James Elliot in 1992 and became the president of the deaconess board in 2000 where she remained president for several years and remained a dedicated deaconess until her health began to fail.  Mary also held a position on the Missionary Board and the Trustee Board.

Mary held various jobs until she was employed with the Chatham County School System by way of J.S. Waters School where she held the position of custodian and bus driver for 17 years.  During her 17 years, she positively impacted many children.  Other than Mary’s main job, she was a volunteer EMT as well as a host of other community activities.

A few years after Mary retired from the school system she needed a purpose and in that search, she found the Chatham County Council on Aging.  She was a faithful attendee and went to the senior center several days each week for approximately 13 years.  She enjoyed socializing with the other attendees, going on day trips shopping, and attending the theater. 

Other than serving God, Mary loved nothing more than her family.  She loved her daughter, but when she became a grandmother and great grandmother she was reborn.  She loved spending family time laughing and looking at kid shows with her great-granddaughters.  Mary loved her sister and enjoyed her daily chats with her sister about what was happening on the soap operas. Mary loved her family and enjoyed them until the end.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories: Daughter, Angela Brown of the home, grandson, Brendan Robinson, granddaughter, Ciera Dixon (Chris), and two great-granddaughters, Kendall Dixon and Karrigan Dixon.  One sister, Katherine Austin of Spring Valley, NY. Four surviving sisters-in-love, Patricia Thompson, Willie Mae Thompson, Constance McRae, and Bertha McCants.  One Brother-in-love, Jerry McCants.  Three special friends, Akira Simmons, Doretha Alston, and Ruby Singletary (John). Her beloved doggy companion, Coal, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank the Liberty Hospice team for their care of Mary, especially Michelle Percival (nurse), Kristina Childress (nurse), and Ashley Brownlee (nursing assistant). Your presence and care made this journey easier.  Thank you.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC