19 Facts About Oseola McCarty

Oseola McCarty was a local washerwoman in Hattiesburg, Mississippi who became The University of Southern Mississippi's most famous benefactor.

Oseola McCarty was born in Wayne County, Mississippi and moved to Hattiesburg as a child.

Oseola McCarty later became a washerwoman, like her grandmother, a trade that she continued until arthritis forced her to quit in 1994.

Oseola McCarty's grandmother died in 1944, followed by her mother in 1964 and her aunt in 1967.

Oseola McCarty opened her first savings account at First Mississippi National Bank, and over the years, she opened several other accounts at various area banks, including Trustmark National Bank, which she appointed trustee of her trust and executor of her estate.

Oseola McCarty never owned a car; she walked everywhere she went, pushing a shopping cart nearly a mile to get groceries.

Oseola McCarty rode with friends to attend services at the Friendship Baptist Church.

Oseola McCarty did not subscribe to any newspaper and considered the expense an extravagance.

Oseola McCarty received some money from her aunt and mother when they died, which she placed into savings as well.

Over time, Trustmark Bank personnel noticed Oseola McCarty's accumulated savings and began to assist her in future estate planning as well as be unofficial guardians for her.

Oseola McCarty set aside one dime for her church, one dime each for three relatives, and the remaining dimes for Southern Miss.

Oseola McCarty stipulated that the funds should be used for students, preferably those of African-American descent, who could not otherwise attend due to financial hardship.

When news of Oseola McCarty's plan was made public, local leaders immediately funded an endowment in her honor.

Oseola McCarty signed an irrevocable trust, allowing the bank to manage her funds from which she received a regular check.

Oseola McCarty received scores of awards and other honors recognizing her selfless spirit, and President Bill Clinton presented her with a Presidential Citizens Medal, the nation's second-highest civilian award, during a special White House Ceremony.

Oseola McCarty won the United Nations' Avicenna Medal for educational commitment.

In 1997, Oseola McCarty received the Award for Greatest Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged, an award given out annually by Jefferson Awards.

Oseola McCarty was recognized with an Essence Award and Patti LaBelle sang tribute to her during the ceremony at Madison Square Garden in New York.

In recognition of the 25th anniversary of Oseola McCarty's unexpected planned gift to USM, a virtual celebration featured interviews with special guests and the unveiling of a sculpture.