Mayesville, South Carolina (July 10, 1875- May 18, 1955) age 80 yrs

Mary McLeod Bethune was consumed with her life’s central mission — education. She was a simple, straightforward woman who learned to be shrewd, strong-willed, and forceful as she pursued her ideals. Bethune was an educator, philanthropist, humanitarian, womanist, and civil rights activist. She founded the National Council of Negro Women and what is now known as Bethune-Cookman College.