Thoughts on Oseola McCarty

Received Sept. 28, 1999 I read with continued admiration and respect the news of Miss McCarty's passing. Since I first read of The Gift, I have been inspired by her humility and uncomplicated view of the way things should be. I hope her onward journey is full of love and light. Thank you for the information on how we can contribute to the scholarship fund. Susan Sharp Sneads Ferry, NC

I am a high school special education teacher who often deals with jaded kids. Two weeks ago my students read a story about Miss McCarty in class. Many had a difficult time dealing with her generosity. Violence, drugs, anger, etc. are much easier for these children to understand, but true selflessness can be such a foreign concept to them. Two of my students came running to me today to tell me they saw on the news last night that Miss McCarty had passed away. How sad we all felt. It is a great loss to have lost her, and yet a great gift to our class to have simply known about her and her humble gift. God must have inspired me to use her story as our very first reading selection of the year. I think Miss McCarty would have appreciated the timing. I send my condolences to anyone who had the privilege to know her. I must say that I am jealous. Sincerely, Adele Berardi Southern Regional High School Manahawkin, NJ 08050

I read in today's Boston Globe of the life, the gift and the death of Ms. McCarty. Her legacy will live on in the education and lives of those who are helped by the scholarship fund she founded and the power of her gift continues to support. I came to this place to find out where I may send the first of what I intend to make annual contributions to her scholarship fund in her memory. Richard L. Dill

Received Sept. 29 Rarely is the world graced by someone who personifies goodness, true humility, and decency. Miss Oseola McCarty was such a rare person, who inspired the world from Hattiesburg by her genuine kindness. What impressed me most was that she could not understand she had done anything remarkable. She did what came natural for her: giving more than she received. Mississippi claims many great sons and daughters, but none as authentic as Miss McCarty. Thank you, my dear sweet lady, for blessing us all. W. L. Jenkins San Diego CA

Ms. McCarty was a remarkable woman. She managed to accomplish things in a couple of years that most won't accomplish in a lifetime. She touched many lives through her giving. She truly exemplified what it meant to give unselfishly. She will always be remembered and missed by so many. I only hope that one day I too will be able to make an impact on society such as Ms. McCarty did. Nakeisha Brumfield

Even though Miss McCarty had only a sixth grade education, she was far wiser than most of today’s college graduates, as she clearly knew the true secret to success – (1) Put God first and he will meet your needs and shower you with blessings & (2) It is, in fact, far better to give than to receive. I only hope that as people surf the web in pursuit of enriching themselves, they stumble upon this website and read about this woman who turned her seemingly hopeless existence into a life of profound triumph. She was truly one of our American heroes! Charlotte Hutchison

Received Sept. 30, 1999 "The Lord loveth a cheerful giver." --2 Corinthians 9:7 And the world loved Miss Oseola McCarty when it learned of her amazing thrift and even more amazing generosity. The honors bestowed on her in these past four years certainly were well merited, but superfluous. They did not add so much as the tiniest glimmer to her luster. Indeed, those who proffered these laurels would probably admit that they were the ones grasping for a share of her honor. Her example will remain an inspiration for those of us who only dream of being philanthropists, and whose instincts often end with an excuse that starts, "If only I had ...." And what a wonderful and wise choice Southern Miss made in selecting Stephanie Bullock as the first McCarty Scholar. Her gratitude and gracious words speak for us all. Sincerely yours, Christopher Connell

I had the great pleasure meeting Ms. McCarty on an occasion for which she was recognized with an award of distinction. Although she was to receive an award at the activity, the real award was to each of us who were blessed with the opportunity to have been in her presence. Imagine what the world would be like if we all had a heart and soul as sweet and inspirational as hers! My thoughts and prayers are with the family and we all celebrate the life of a true angel! Mark A. Kidd George Mason University (Southern Miss Alum, '88, '89)

Received Oct. 1, 1999 Throughout one's lifetime you rarely meet people who are as generous and special as Ms. McCarty. She has played an important role in the lives of many people. It is an inspiration to hear of those who have overcome many struggles in their life and have given back to the community. God has given us the opportunity to experience this blessing through this great lady. It serves as an example to all of us that with hard work and kindness you can influence the world in a positive way. She has gone on to a better place but will never be forgotten. 2nd Lieutenant Germaine Harris United States Army

I loved her for her simplicity. I loved her for her innocence. I loved her for her gentle spirit in a most times crazy world. In a lifetime of nothing very special, I had the privilege of knowing the most fascinating woman, I feel in this century and the next century to come. I will never, never, ever forget her. Leah Cash San Bernardino, CA

There is not much I can say about this wonderful person that has not already been said, but I must say that after reading about her I have taken a hard look at my life. She was and is such an inspiration it makes me want to be a better person. She must have been one of God's angels. Sandra Brewer

I was on a business trip to the Far East. While reading the thin English language newspaper in a hotel in southern Taiwan that would make Motel Six look great I turned the page and there was a large picture of Ms. McCarty. The caption was simple, like her, and powerful, also like her. My homesickness and dissatisfaction with my surroundings subsided, and I slept well that night. Al Underwood, Jackson, Missisippi

I grew up right down the street from this dear Sister in Christ in the '50s, '60s and '70's. Many a summer day and night we played up and down her modest street. As an adult and officer in our historic neighborhood association, I had the privilege, honor and joy of meeting and visiting with her in her humble home ... She richly deserves that highest of titles bestowed upon Southern Womanhood: She was truly "A Great Lady". I shall look forward to seeing her again in Heaven where she now joyously resides with our loving Creator and all His Angels and Saints ... The Sovereign and Great State of Mississippi, by way of its Institution -- The University of Southern Mississippi, should take proper action forthwith to see that a fitting and lasting memorial monument honoring this proud Mississippian be erected on the Southern Miss campus. The City of Hattiesburg should take proper action forthwith to see that a fitting and lasting memorial monument honoring this esteemed Hattiesburger be erected on the property of her earthly home in Hattiesburg. Sincerely, R. Scott Farris Former Hattiesburg City Councilman of the Fourth Ward (Miss McCarty's home district)

Miss McCarty's life should be an inspiration to us all. She gave her all and in return received more recognition than she probably ever imagined. I was a student at the University at the time she donated the gift. Her compassion and love for others is truly remarkable. Cotishea Anderson

Received Oct. 3, 1999 Words cannot express how truly wonderful this lady was. I was fortunate enough to be a student at Southern Miss when Ms. McCarty donated her gift and even more fortunate to meet her on more than one occasion. It was the most touching moment in my life to read of a woman, so kind and sincere, thinking of those who were once denied the chance to enter such an institution. I thank you Ms. McCarty. You have proven that in a world filled with so much selfishness and hostility, a rose can yet still bloom. Cheryl Jenkins Howard University Southern Miss alum '95, '97

An angel on earth is what comes to my mind when speaking of Miss Oseola McCarty. We plan to run Southern Miss press release in the October issue of Pure News USA. What a lovely woman! T.C. Christian, Jr. Publisher & CEO Pure News USA: www.pure-news-usa.com

Received Oct. 5, 1999 I was profoundly saddened to learn of the recent death of Ms. Oseola McCarty, in Time magazine. It struck me funny because I thought of her the other day (while) thinking and hearing reports of violence, crime, hatred in the world we live in today; there should be many people in this world like her. I remember when I first read about her generosity in giving away all her life savings to promote education .... I thought that was the most amazing thing and admired her for her humbleness and selfless act. She was an inspiration to all and I'll never forget Ms. McCarty!! James Casson

Received Oct. 13, 1999 I was once asked the question, "If you could talk to any famous person in the world who would it be?" I responded by saying Ms. Oseola McCarty. I believe Ms. McCarty is a fine example of what we should all strive to be like. I am often amazed when I begin to think of such a small woman who made such a large impact on today's society. I met Ms. McCarty at one of her book signings while a student at Southern Miss and at that time I could only say "thank you" because I was so moved by her generosity. Once again overwhelmed with emotion I say to Ms. McCarty's spirit, "Thank you for caring enough not only to give your life earnings, but also your life teachings to students who will represent us all in the next millennium! Vickie Blakely Southern Miss alum '97

Received Feb. 9, 2000 Ms. McCarty's life of hard work and her gift to the University is at the core of what Martin Luther King's dream was all about. I am grateful that she chose to be so generous. We can all emulate Ms. McCarty's generosity on whatever level we are able to do so. Because of her, I have commited myself to a life of giving beginning with a modest donation of $100 per year toward the education of two students. I also plan to contribute to Ms.McCarty's fund. Thank you, Donna Andrews

Received Feb. 13, 2000 I found The Riches of Oseola McCarty at the store that I do volunteer work at and read it cover to cover this afternoon (then purchased it). Curious about the author, I found your website and sadly read the news of her passing. After reading the comments of praise for this remarkable and inspirational woman, I felt compelled to add that her grace and light reach well beyond the confines of her chosen religion. Her love and wisdom are truly universal and I hope to become more like her as I travel through my life's journey. Thank you, Lorraine Williams (entering college at 39, contingent on financial aid)

Received Feb. 24, 2000 I would like for Miss. McCarty's family to know that I used her as the topic of a report I had to write on a famous black Mississippian. I am in the forth grade at Mclaurin Elementary School in Star, Mississippi and, when my teacher told us we had to do this, Miss McCarty was the first person I thought of. Thank you, Audriana Martin

Received April 6, 2000 Ms. McCarty is an amazing woman. She is the EPITOME of giving. I was very honored to do a report on her. When I heard what she did, I almost cried because of how many doors she has opened for African-American students, thanks to her donation. She worked very, very hard to come up with this. Many people find it very hard to give $10, $15 to someone or something unless they will benefit from it, but McCarty was able to give so much more than that. She just put a number of African-American students through school. She is definitely an angel. GJ