Mary Elizabeth (McCain) Wise

With heartfelt sympathy, we announce the earthly transition of Mary Elizabeth McCain Wise of Gadsden, who traded mortal for immortality on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at the age of 81. 

Mary Elizabeth McCain Wise was born on February 18, 1945, to Roosevelt McCain, Sr. and Catherine Barrington McCain in Etowah County, Alabama. She was the oldest of four children.

Mary accepted Christ at an early age and attended Morning Star Baptist Church. She later became a pioneer member of Fellowship Baptist Church. In her early years, she faithfully served as a member of the junior choir. She later served as an Assistant Sunday School Teacher and Superintendent of Sunday School. She was also a member of the Missionary Society.

Mary was a 1963 graduate of Carver High School, where she was crowned Miss Carver of her graduating class, as well as Miss Homecoming. She was the first Miss Carver to participate in the Gadsden, Alabama Annual Christmas Parade in 1963.
Mary was a 1966 graduate of Good Samaritan Catholic Hospital School of Nursing in Selma, Alabama.
Mary was employed at Gadsden Regional Medical Center, formerly known as Baptist Memorial, for 36 years. She retired due to health issues.

Mary was united in holy matrimony to George Wise, and to this union one child was born, Robin Michelle Wise.

Mary was a caregiver to the sick not only through her profession, but also to others in the community. She was truly a Florence Nightingale nurse.

Mary was most passionate about her faith, family, friends, charity, cooking, and flowers. She enjoyed watching television and would often share memorable quotes from various movies.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Roosevelt McCain, Jr.; her sister, Glenda McCain McCloud; her one and only son, Orlando Lavoy Wise, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins whom she loved dearly.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Robin Michelle Wise Isom of Gadsden, Alabama; her sister, Cathy McCain (Michael) Goggins of Gadsden, Alabama; her special niece, who was like a granddaughter, Ashleigh Patrice Goggins; her sister-in-law, Jerrell Green; her brother-in-law, Lavon McCloud; her chosen sons, Charlie Ethridge and Aundra Jamison; her chosen daughters, Renea Hicks and Yolanda Moragne; her special cousin, Robert “Chuck” McCloud Sr.; her special friends, Eva Wansley Miller, Yvonne Williams, Joan Cox, Gwendolyn Parker Pearson, Linda Mallory Horton, and Bernice Johnson; her special caregivers, Elizabeth Gunn and Sharon King; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
 

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