Margaret (Parker) McCoy

Margaret Parker McCoy departed this earth on August 1st, 2025, at Rock Hill Post Acute Care Center. She was born Margaret Elizabeth Parker, the third of five children in York, SC, to William T. Parker, Sr., and Elizabeth Coln Parker.

Margaret grew up in York, where she was nurtured lovingly in her home and community, and with that same love nurtured spiritually at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church. Growing up she enjoyed many activities, including playing high school basketball, engaging with friends, and serving as a church musician and choir member. Margaret graduated from Jefferson High School in 1953 and attended South Carolina State College (University) in Orangeburg, SC, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education in 1957. Upon her return from Orangeburg, she began her career in education teaching the first grade at Sharon Grove Elementary School in Sharon, SC. In 1961 Margaret accepted a first-grade teaching position with the Pittsburgh Public Schools in Pittsburgh, PA, where she later became a guidance counselor. She earned a master’s degree in education from Duquesne University (Pittsburgh) in 1970 and a graduate certificate in counseling from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, in 1971. Margaret continued as a guidance counselor until her retirement in 1991.

On April 14, 1968, Margaret married Elisha McCoy (of Pittsburgh) at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church. Elisha and Margaret enjoyed a loving marriage of thirty-one years until Elisha’s passing in 1999. They were the parents of one son, Randall Elisha McCoy.

Margaret spent fifty-seven years in the Pittsburgh area, eventually residing in the suburb of Monroeville, where she lived forty-six years. During those years she engaged in many professional and social activities and was an active member of several clubs and organizations. Margaret attended Grace Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder and member of the choir. She had a love of gardening, cooking, and traveling, as well as spending time with family and friends. Margaret returned to South Carolina in 2018, reuniting with her family in the area and former church (Clinton Chapel AME Zion). Due to illness, she eventually resided at Rock Hill Post Acute Care Center. A special thanks goes to the facility staff for their care, support, and commitment.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Elisha McCoy; parents William T. Parker, Sr., and Elizabeth Parker; brothers James O. Parker and William T. Parker Jr.; and sister Harriett Stroy.

She is survived by her son Randall McCoy; brother Robert H. Parker; sisters-in-law Lois M. Parker and Shirley H. Parker; Aunt Joise Guthrie; nieces Tammy Parker Walls, Roma Parker-Leach, Sheila Walker, Kimberley Parker Reese, Dena Hubert, and Courtney H. Carter; and nephews Victor Parker and Robert A. Parker. Grandchildren Elisha D. Green and Maria E. Green as well as grandnephews and grandnieces, great-grand nephews and great-grandnieces, and a host of other cherished family members and dear friends around the country.

Margaret will be remembered for warmly touching the lives of numerous people beyond her family and friends, including former co-workers, former students and their families, and even strangers. Margaret was a treasure to us all and was loved by many; her life and memories will continue to be celebrated.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 22nd, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home, located at 301 East Liberty Street, York, SC 29745. With a repast held at Clinton Chapel AME Zion Church, on 302 California Street, York, SC 29745.

A later service will be held in Pittsburgh, PA, and she will be laid to rest at Restland Memorial Cemetery in Monroeville, PA.

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