Mary Ann McKissack

Mary Ann McKissack was the 11th child born to the late John Thomas Rhodes and Margaret Hester Rhodes on December 27, 1927. On the peaceful morning of Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Mary transitioned from this earthly life into her new life in Glory.

Mary was a lovely, kind, and gentle woman whose love for God and people was evident in her warm personality, cheerful smile, and caring spirit. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and joined Rocky Mount Cumberland Presbyterian Church. After moving to Nashville, Tennessee, she became a devoted member of Payne Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she faithfully served for more than 50 years, including many years on the Usher Board.

Mary was known and loved for her gift of hospitality. Her home was a welcoming place where family, friends, and neighbors gathered often, especially on Sundays. She was an excellent cook, and her kitchen became locally famous for her fried chicken, homemade biscuits, rice, pies, cobblers, and cakes. Only age could keep Mary from doing what she loved so much: cooking and caring for others.

Mary attended elementary school in Giles County and later retired from Vanderbilt Hospital after more than 35 years of service as a respiratory therapist.

Mary’s love and devotion to her husband, Calvin C. McKissack, spanned more than 75 years. To this union, five children were born: Christine, John, Caroline, James, and Larry. Mary showed love to her family in many ways, especially by offering safety, shelter, encouragement, and, of course, her phenomenal cooking. She and Calvin loved having family around the house, sharing laughter, stories, and good meals. Mary also had a special gift for observing the world around her. If people-watching had been a profession, she would have been an expert.

Mary was a woman of many skills and talents. She enjoyed knitting beautiful blankets, cooking, and sharing recipes from her unmatched recipe book. God used her presence to positively impact others, sometimes without her even saying a word. She was always willing to help and was known for opening her home to nieces, nephews, family members, and others in need. Mary loved her family deeply. She was compassionate and often knew just the right words to say or had the gentle hug needed to mend a hurting heart.

Mary also enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends. She especially enjoyed traveling with her niece, the late Mildred “Bunny” Hall.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin C. McKissack; daughters-in-law, Jackie McKissack, Annie Elizabeth McKissack, and Debra Ann McKissack; brothers, Melvin Rhodes, Marvin Rhodes, Anthony Rhodes, Thomas Rhodes, Alfonza Rhodes, Erastus Rhodes, and Clifton Rhodes, Sr.; sisters, Lillian Rhodes Carter and Bernice Sweeney; and two stillborn siblings.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Christine Wheeler of Lebanon, TN; son, John McKissack and his wife, Dorothy, of Nashville, TN; daughter, Caroline Carson and her husband, Charles, of Nashville, TN; son, James McKissack of Nashville, TN; and son, Larry McKissack and his wife, Gwen, of Nashville, TN.

She also leaves her cherished grandchildren: Angela Wheeler, Fontella McKissack Morgan, Clarence Wheeler, Djuana Wheeler, Felisha Elam, Nicole McKissack, Latania McKissack, Shante’ McKissack, Tara Holt, Larry McKissack Jr., Delilah Rhodes, Kizzie Watkins, Johnna McKissack, Renee McKissack, and Chantel Watkins; 27 great-grandchildren; 25 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, church family, and friends.

Mary’s life was a beautiful reflection of love, faith, service, and family. Her kindness, wisdom, cooking, laughter, and gentle presence will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.