Tributes

Mary Jane Ketchin McDonald entered her Heavenly home on March 25, 2023. She was born February 9, 1929, to James Shaw Ketchin and Statia Ansley Phillips Ketchin in Winnsboro, SC. A lifelong Christian, Mary Jane was always active in the church, having joined Bethel Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Winnsboro as a child. She later became a faithful and devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville for almost 70 years. She served as a choir member, Deacon, and Elder. Her many years of service and devotion were recognized through her election as Elder Emeritus and her receipt of an honorary life membership in the Presbyterian Women of Presbyterian Church USA. Mary Jane was a graduate of Mt Zion Institute in Winnsboro and Florida Southern College. She earned a Master's Degree in Education at the University of S.C. and continued graduate studies at several universities during her 30-year career in education. She served as a teacher, counselor, and administrator in the public schools of Arizona, Florida, and South Carolina. She was an adjunct professor at Coker College and the University of South Carolina. Mary Jane returned to Hartsville, South Carolina, from teaching in southern Arizona to marry the love of her life, Harry McCaskill McDonald, on March 26, 1955. They lived in Orangeburg during their early married years and moved back to make Hartsville their home for over 50 years until Harry's passing in 2009 and Mary Jane's move to the Presbyterian Community in 2015. Mary Jane was a tremendous asset to Hartsville, both personally and professionally. In addition to her service to her church, she actively served her community through many civic organizations and leadership roles. She was Chairman of the Coker College Board of Visitors and served as a Trustee at Coker College. Perhaps her most important contribution to the community was to the children of Hartsville, for whom she was a devoted teacher, counselor, and advocate throughout her life. She was an early leader in providing much-needed assistance for underprivileged children. Mary Jane was the first person to be certified as an elementary school guidance counselor in South Carolina. Mary Jane and Harry were vibrant participants in Hartsville's social activities. They enjoyed the company of their family and many friends in numerous social clubs and organizations. Mary Jane was predeceased by her parents, her husband, and her sister Statia Ansley Ketchin. She is survived by her sister-in-law Isabel McDonald Rollins of Greensboro, NC, loving nieces and nephews Mary Kendall McRae Bittle (John) of Conway, Nancy Rollins Bain of Ocean Isle Beach, NC, David W. Rollins of Orlando, Fl, John C Rollins (Cathie) of Jamestown, NC, John N. McDonald of Hartsville, Dr. Thomas A. McDonald (Susan)of Florence and Charles H. McDonald (Deborah) of Columbia, and many great and great-great nieces and nephews. The family is forever grateful to Sally Brown, who was Mary Jane's special friend and longtime caregiver. The family also extends its thanks and appreciation to Ola Alexander and Michele Johnson, who were Mary Jane's devoted caregivers in her later years. A memorial service will be held at 4 o’clock on April 16, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Hartsville. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Memorials may be given to First Presbyterian Church, 213 West Home Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home are caring for the family.

Tributes

Mrs. Mary Jane Ketchin McDonald

February 9, 1929 - March 25, 2023