O'nell McCain's Obituary
O'Nell Hobson McCain peacefully departed this life on March 12, 2026, at St. Catherine's Village in Madison, Mississippi.
Born in Rankin County, Mississippi, on March 29, 1931, O'nell was the youngest of twin daughters welcomed by her parents, Louis Hobson and Mamie Webb Hobson. She was joined by her twin sister, Dorothy Nell, and her three older brothers - Louis, Howard, and James.
O'Nell and her siblings were raised on the family farm, where they spent their days playing, working alongside their father, and caring for animals. The family were devoted members of Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church in Brandon, Mississippi, where they faithfully worshipped and participated in church life. When the twins reached school age, they attended the elementary school their father helped build, proudly named The Hobson School. At age fifteen, O'Nell and her twin sister, Dorothy, continued their education at boarding schools, providing them the opportunity to pursue studies beyond the eighth grade. O'Nell completed her secondary education at Prentiss Institute in Prentiss, Mississippi, and Southern Christian Institute (SCI) in Edwards, Mississippi. She later attended Tougaloo College, graduating in 1954 with a degree in secondary education - fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher.
Alongside her twin sister, Dorothy, O' Nell began her teaching career at Ruleville Central High School in Sunflower County. Her desire to explore new opportunities led her to additional teaching positions in Rolling Fork and Grenada, Mississippi. It was in Grenada that she met the love of her life, Ray McCain.
O'Nell and Ray were married in June 1966 and made their home in Los Angeles. California. There, she continued her teaching career with the Los Angeles Unified School District, teaching English and reading to middle school students until her retirement in June 1996. Following retirement, O'nell and her sister, Dorothy, enjoyed traveling throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia.
Desiring to be closer to her sister and extended family, O'nell returned to Mississippi in 2000 and settled in Flowood. During her retirement years, she found joy in tending to her yard, visiting with neighbors, enjoying family gatherings, shopping, attending social events, and traveling with her niece and family.
O'Nell was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ray; her parents, Louis and Mamie Hobson; and her brothers, Louis, James, and Howard Hobson. She leaves to cherish her memory her twin sister, Dorothy Miller, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell
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