Community pillar leaves $25,000 to DCSF

The Demopolis City Schools Foundation recently received $25,000 from the estate of Carolyn S. McCormick. Betty, as she was known to her friends, died in 2013. She generously supported the Foundation and Demopolis City Schools during her life and continued that support through her estate.

A native of Birmingham and a graduate of Ramsey High School, she married Jim McCormick in 1956. Shortly after moving to Demopolis, Jim died from cancer in 1969. Mrs. McCormick embraced her adopted community of Demopolis. She became a partner in a local lumber business and took an active role in St. Leo’s Catholic Church and the local hospital auxiliary. Victor Hallmark, Mrs. McCormick’s nephew said she “was a very special person who believed that everyone was to be respected and treated with dignity, regardless of their life situation. She lived a life giving not only her love, but her time, talents, and resources.”

Jan McDonald, former Executive Director of the Foundation, recalled Mrs. McCormick’s devotion to the local school system. “Betty knew that education was the key to a thriving community and to the future of Demopolis,” said McDonald. “She never missed an opportunity to show her support for Demopolis schools.

The Foundation will add Mrs. McCormick’s unrestricted gift to the Foundation’s Endowment Fund. “This gift increases our Endowment Funds to $888,000. We are now just $112,000 away from our $1,000,000 goal,” shared Amanda Barnes, current Executive Director of the Demopolis City Schools Foundation.

“Betty’s gift is a reminder that charitable giving through your will and estate planning is a wonderful way to make a difference in our local charities.” Peter Michael Reynolds, Jr., Chairman of the Endowment Committee said. “Her gift will make a difference in the education of the students of the Demopolis City Schools for many years to come.”