Mary Oneida McDougal McCarter

The formidable force known as Mary Oneida McDougal McCarter left this life on September 1, 2026 in Jefferson City. The youngest child of Ike and Edith McDougal, she was born July 6, 1933 in Talbott, Tennessee. She was raised in Jefferson City, which she loved dearly. Three things became important to her from an early age: reading, religion, and candy. She was known for “always having her nose in a book,” walking to church every Sunday, and spending any spare change at the 5 and Dime on candy.

Mary was strong-minded and had her own way of doing things. When the elementary school caught fire, she jumped out of her classroom window only to realize that she left her coat inside. She walked back in the front door, retrieved her coat, then jumped back out the window and headed home.

Her first job was at the age of 14 working in the ticket booth for Mr. Hutton’s Jefferson Theatre on Main Street, a position her oldest sister, Ruth, previously held. She graduated from Jefferson City High School and shortly afterwards met Bob McCarter on a blind date. Before becoming a stay-at-home mother and wife, she worked for the W. W. Jennings Insurance Agency.

Mary was known for her ’67 Pontiac LeMans Tempest Safari station wagon, but being a lady, had it special ordered with an OHC Sprint 6. Being a lady, she never received a speeding ticket, in spite of the efforts of the car. She loved baking and had a homemade snack ready every day for the children after school. She was a loving, devoted grandmother of 8, and always stepped up when needed, once spending weeks out of state with a hospitalized grandchild. She became the shelter and safe haven for another, bringing her safety, peace, and unconditional love during the crucial times of her life, never failing to offer support. She thrived best when she helped her loved ones thrive.

Mary was a kind and giving soul, and artistic. For years she made beautiful wedding cakes for family and friends. For a time she made hand-dipped chocolate candy for Christmas gifts. She dabbled in stained glass, making lamps, which she also gifted to others. She gave freely to those in need and passed that on to her children and grandchildren.

In civic matters, she served as Chairman of the Jefferson City Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for 33 years, retiring at the age of 92. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served as a youth Sunday School teacher for 20 years, making an impact on several young lives by her example, lessons, and baked goods.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Sam, and sisters, Ruth and Joyce; by husband, Bob; grandson, Samuel; and son-in-law, Gary. She is survived by children, Bob, Sam, and Mary; 7 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren; special nieces Karen and Jeanne; and several close friends. The family would like to thank the staff at Jefferson Park for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please bake a cookie for a loved one, give a hug or word of encouragement, or make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN