Mrs. Darnella Dupree McCants

Darnella Dupree McCants departed this earthly life on Saturday November 13, 2013 at Kindred South West Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. Born in Sumter County on April 6, 1942, she was the youngest of three children and fraternal twin of the late Leon and Annie Lou Pearson Dupree. Raised in a christian home, she began her spiritual journey at Union Station AME Church and served faithfully in many capacities including: Sun Beam Choir, Usher Board, Sunday School, Sanctuary Choir, Stewardess Board #4, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Director for Vacation Bible School, artistic floral design, Bible and Hymnal donor. Darnella had a continuing passion and gift of ministry that she carried with her throughout her christian journey. In 2004 she was affiliated with First Metropolitan Baptist Church in Augusta, Georgia. In 2008, after moving to Fort Worth, Texas she became affiliated with McMillan United Methodist Church. Any ministry that she was asked to be associated with she shared her gifts and talents artistically and as an educator wherever they were needed. Darnella was a graduate of Lincoln High School class of 1960 and Morris College class of 1964. While at Morris College she was a coronation queen. She earned her BS degree in elementary education in 1964 and earned her Masters Degree from the University of South Carolina in 1980. She received Special Education Certification from Francis Marion College. Darnella began her teaching career in Lake City, South Carolina. She was employed in Sumter School District 17 for over 30 years and taught primarily and retired from Wilder Elementary School. After retirement, she taught in the Lee County School District. She was among the first group of educators during the integration of public schools in Sumter County. In her spare time she enjoyed cooking, reading, Bible study, traveling, decorating, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She met and married William MCCants Jr, and to this union four children were born: William Jared, Joycelyn Ann, Reginald Darnel, and Regina Darnita In addtion to her parents she was preceded in death by two nephews, Karl and Samuel (Lynn) Pitts whom she loved dearly. She leaves to cherish precious memories: William Jared, Joycelyn and her fiancé John Cowan, Reginald and Regina (Stacey) Reardon. Grandchildren include: Aja McCants, Jared Collin, William Cameron, Justin Prince, Paris Prince, Milani Reardon, Zane Reardon and Zion Reardon; two sisters, Rhunetta Dupree (Samuel) Pitts and Mae Thelma Dupree Meggie of Sumter. Three nephews Rodney(Jere) Pitts of Sumter, Derrick (Jackie) Meggie of Columbia, South Carolina and Russell (Karla) Meggie of Frisco, Texas; one niece, Denise Pitts (Samuel) Addison of Charlotte, North Carolina and a host of other relatives and friends. Children in Christ include: Eglon (Brian) Davis, Ronald Brown, Steven Jones, Johnny Prince Jr., Carlos Oliver, Tony Brown, David Furman, Rachael Sinclaire, Cynthia Cowan-Neely, Frances Wimberly and Irene Canada. A cherished caregiver and friend, Malinda Allen, who was like a daughter.

Mrs. Darnella Dupree McCants

April 6, 1942 - November 30, 2013