Mary James Cantey was born on March 10, 1929, and was called from labor to rest on August 3, 2019. She was the daughter of the late Semon and Lucinda James. United in holy matrimony to the love of her life, the late Edward Cantey, Sr., this union was blessed with eight children.

Mary was a lifelong member of Antioch UME Church, where she served faithfully until her health begin to fail. Her support of the ministry was notable including a twenty-five year tenure of devoted service as President of the ECE League and membership in the Ministerial Wives Alliance. She was selected as the 1990-1991 Antioch UME Missionary Queen, 1997 UME Missionary Conference Queen, and was the founding organizer and advisor of the Antioch UME Youth Choir. Her passion and heart for others was instrumental in the start of the summer Feed-a-Child Program at Antioch, which served as a dual opportunity to mentor community youth and provide summer jobs for many.

She leaves to mourn her passing five children: Edward (Easter)Cantey, Jr., Susanna (Samuel)C. Mark, Myrtle (William) Pinckney, Luevenia C. (Elias) Johnson, Lonnie (Helen) Cantey; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; one sister, Louvenia J. (Leroy) Dinkins; one brother, Leroy James; three sisters-in-law: Susanna Cantey, Sara Lovett, and Helen Lovett, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by two infant daughters; one son, Samuel Cantey; one brother, George James; and two sisters, Marie McCall and Caroline Singleton.

Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary.

Mrs. Cantey will be placed in the church on Friday, August 9, 2019 at 11am for viewing until the hour of service.

Funeral Services will be held at 12noon on Friday, August 9, 2019 at Antioch UME Church 10026 Old River Road Rimini, SC 29125, with Pastor Cheryl Gadsden, Eulogist and Bishop Willie Green, Jr. Officiating.

Interment will follow in Spring Grove Cemetery.

Family will receive friends at the home of her daughter, 6715 Delores Road Sumter, SC 29154.

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main Street is in charge of arrangements.