Released: Sept. 4, 1996

BOOK SHARES MCCARTY'S 'SIMPLE WISDOM'
By Sharon Wertz

HATTIESBURG -- From the beginning, people were impressed by Oseola McCarty's simple, unaffected wisdom. Now, they can glean more of it from her book.

"Simple Wisdom for Rich Living," scheduled for release in late October, is a collection of McCarty's views and sayings on work, faith, saving, relationships and good living.

"We wanted to give Miss McCarty an opportunity to speak in her own voice," said Shannon Maggio, who edited the book for Longstreet Press of Atlanta. "We wanted to make sure she had a lasting record of her words and philosophy of life. We have talked to people from all over, and they've been amazed and fascinated by her."

Since the story of McCarty's $150,000 gift to The University of Southern Mississippi broke in July 1995, the 88-year-old Hattiesburg, Miss., washerwoman's life has been changed irrevocably.

The woman who rarely left her house except for her weekly trips to the grocery store and church has appeared on every major TV network, been a guest at the White House and received international acclaim. Her life, her thrift and her generosity have inspired millions.

Still, the woman at the center of the frenzy has not changed. Oseola McCarty still looks at life with clear eyes and quiet grace, trusting God to help her deal with whatever comes her way.

When Longstreet publisher Chuck Perry first read McCarty's story, he thought it was heartwarming. He was particularly impressed by her simple, clear views on life. And the idea for the book was born.

Subsequently, Maggio spent four days with McCarty in Hattiesburg in May, visiting on her front porch. The interviews yielded the simple wisdom captured in the 112 pages of the book. Some samples:

On work: "I knew there were people who didn't have to work as hard as I did, but it didn't make me feel sad. I loved to work, and when you love to do anything, those things don't bother you."

On saving money: "A smart person plans for the future. You never know what kind of emergency will come up, and you can't rely on the government to meet all your needs. You have to take responsibility for yourself."

On good living: "There's a lot of talk about self-esteem these days. It seems pretty basic to me. If you want to feel proud of yourself, you've got to do things you can be proud of. Feelings follow actions." 

Supplementing McCarty's views are perspectives of Paul Laughlin, the Trustmark Bank vice president and trust officer who handles her financial affairs; and W.E. "Bud" Kirkpatrick, public relations director at The University of Southern Mississippi, who, along with the Southern Miss public relations staff, has coordinated McCarty's public activities.