Mary Alice McDonald-Williams Humes

Mary Alice McDonald Humes passed away peacefully March 15, 2024, at the age of 94. Born in Columbus, Ga to Cornelius (Con) T. and Elizabeth M. McDonald on August 21, 1929, Mary Alice was the younger sister to Con T. McDonald, Jr. They had a very special relationship all their lives, affectionately calling each other “Sister” and “Brother” from an early age. This became a McDonald family tradition that was loved and admired by all. As her niece and nephew grew up, they only knew Mary Alice as “Sister.”

Mary Alice was raised in Columbus and had a natural love of learning. She attended Wynnton Elementary School and graduated from Columbus High School. She went on to Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA, where she earned her BA in English in 1938. She completed her formal education with post graduate studies at Auburn University and Columbia University in New York.

Upon finishing her post graduate studies, Mary Alice came back to Columbus teaching English at Columbus Junior High School and Arnold Middle School. From teaching school, she went to work for The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in the Woman’s Department section of the newspaper. Some years later, Mary Alice became Director of Public Relations for the Medical Center. Later in her career, she went to work as an Administrative Assistant for the Medical Staff, working directly with John D. Watson, MD for several years.

Her experience and love for Columbus made her a great ambassador for the city, proudly telling everyone she met about how special it was. She loved the people, the town, and the rich history. Her natural manner of making friends led to knowing so many people in the community from all walks of life. Treating everyone with dignity and respect, Mary Alice enriched the lives of everyone she met. Her friends meant so much to her, and her family recognizes and appreciates their love, devotion, and attention given to her.

She was always giving of herself to others and sharing her abilities in many ways. Cooking was a favorite way for Mary Alice to do something for other people. She was well known for baking cookies, bread, pecan tarts, orange toast, and other treats. Mary Alice loved giving her goodies to “special” people in her life; but everyone was “special” to her. She was the epitome of a true friend. She often gave wise and insightful counsel when asked.

Mary Alice gave her time, expertise and energy to many organizations in Columbus to make it a better city for everyone. She enjoyed being in the Woman’s Reading Club, Oglethorpe Chapter-DAR, National Society of the Colonial Dames of America, Junior League of Columbus, Historic Columbus Foundation, Columbus Museum and many more organizations and charitable causes. She was a Board Member of Open – Door Community House.

As a faithful member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Mary Alice volunteered on various committees over the years. In addition to helping needle point kneeling cushions, numerous tapestry banners used regularly by the Church. She regularly attended Church until her health declined. Then she attended church “virtually” on Sundays.

Mary Alice’s happiness was complete later in life when she married Sam Howard Williams. She adored his quiet manner, calmness, and quick wit. She was married to Sam until his death in 1994.

Some years later, her friends reintroduced her to John (Jack) Wilson Humes, and following a courtship, they were married. They enjoyed years of love, affection, companionship, and life together. Jack’s wonderful dog named “Sue” was a bonus of happiness. Jack and Mary Alice were always on the go and full of life with each other until Jack passed away in 2001.

Mary Alice is preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius T. McDonald and Elizabeth McGee McDonald; brother, Con T. McDonald Jr., MD and wife Sarah Stacy McDonald of Goldsboro, NC; both of her former husbands, Sam Howard Williams and John Wilson Humes; and stepson, James E. Humes II of Columbus, GA.

Mary Alice is survived by her niece: Martha McDonald Cline and her husband John William Cline Jr. of Shelby, NC. Her nephew: Con T. McDonald III and his wife Martha Anne Sigmon McDonald of Raleigh, NC. By three great-nephews, John W. Cline III and wife Julie of Raleigh, NC, Stacy M. Cline and wife Lauren of Wilmington, NC, and Thomas T. McDonald of Raleigh, NC. One great-niece, Alice Louise Sara McDonald Atkinson and her husband Alexander W. Atkinson of Sumter, SC. And three great-great-nephews.

By one stepson and Wives: Carol C. Humes wife (James E. Humes-Deceased) of Columbus, Ga. And John W. Humes and wife Susan P. Humes of Jacksonville, Fl. By three step-granddaughters: Amy Humes Norris and husband Charlton W. Norris of Columbus, Ga, Sarah Cannon Humes Andre of Atlanta, Ga, and Frances C. Humes Guthrie and husband Christopher Guthrie of Houston, Tx. Lastly, three great grandsons and one great granddaughter.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2101 Wildwood Ave, Columbus, GA on April 4, 2024 at 11:00 am, followed by a reception at the Church to greet the family. A private interment will be at Riverdale Cemetery following the reception for family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Altar Fund at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2101 Wildwood Ave, Columbus, GA 31906, Open Door Community House, 2404 Second Ave, Columbus, GA 31901, or a charity of donor’s choice.

The family would like to recognize and thank – Susie Jordan, Gwen Bradley, Bettie Abraham and Angels Huguley for their loving care and professionalism in taking care of Mary Alice. A special thanks to Serita Borders for her caretaking, companionship, and friendship. They all contributed significantly to the quality of life of Mary Alice had at her home. This allowed her to fully enjoy her home she loved and to keep her independence.