University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg in Forrest County, Mississippi — The American South (East South Central)
A Remarkable Woman and a Legacy Beyond Compare
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, June 14, 2023
1. A Remarkable Woman and a Legacy Beyond Compare Marker
"When I leave this world, I can't carry nothing away from here. Whatever I have, it's going to be left right here for somebody. Some child can get their education, to help them along, because you can't do nothing now unless you get your education. I don't regret one single penny I gave to the College. The only thing I regret is that I didn't have more to give." - Oseola McCarty
Hattiesburg native Oseola McCarty made global news in 1995 when she designated USM as the beneficiary of her $150,000 trust. The woman behind the unexpected gift captured the hearts of all who heard her story.
As a child, McCarty began stashing money in her doll buggy after working beside her mother, grandmother and aunt. Her dream was to become a nurse, but she left school in the sixth grade to care for her ill aunt and never made it back to the classroom. For 75 years, she took in laundry and ironing work until arthritis forced her to stop. As an 87-year-old laundress who lived frugally, McCarty's gift represented the majority of her life savings.
In 1996, Stephanie Bullock and Carletta Barnes were the first beneficiaries of the Oseola McCarty Scholarship Endowment. Upon the 25th anniversary of her gift in 2020, $568,158 in scholarships have been awarded, allowing 113 students from South Mississippi to pursue their educations
this page online
The Oseola McCarty Scholars Program honors her strong work ethic, giving heart and love for helping others.
Erected by The University of Southern Mississippi.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1995.
Location. 31° 19.688′ N, 89° 19.985′ W. Marker is in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in Forrest County. It is in University of Southern Mississippi. Marker is on East Memorial Drive near College Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 113 E Memorial Dr, Hattiesburg MS 39406, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Hub Where Buffett Met "Fingers" (within shouting distance of this marker); Petrified Log State Rock of Mississippi (within shouting distance of this marker); Clyde Kennard (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roberts Schoolhouse (about 700 feet away); Demonstration School (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hub City Lodge No 627 (approx. half a mile away); Veterans of All Wars Monument (approx. 2.1 miles away); Pinehills Neighborhood (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Hattiesburg.
More about this marker. Location accessible only by foot.
Photographed By Cajun Scrambler, June 14, 2023
2. A Remarkable Woman and a Legacy Beyond Compare Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 18, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 18, 2023, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
