Mary Moore Frye McNair

Mary McMaster Moore Frye McNair “Little Mary”, beloved oldest of five daughters born to Joseph Palmer Moore and Mary McMaster Moore, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 27, 2026.

Mary was born February 14, 1939 in Rock Hill, S.C. and was raised in Manning, S.C. with her sisters and many dear cousins. Mary enjoyed an idyllic life and was often called on to play the piano and sing throughout her life. She especially loved playing for her daddy as he sang “How Great Thou Art”, “I Believe” and the family favorite, “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross.”

Mary studied music at Queens College for two years before transferring to the University of S.C., where she met and married Jerry Frye. Mary followed Jerry’s coaching career which took their family to Kingstree, Clover, and Dillon, where they made lifelong friends before settling in Columbia to raise their children, Jay Frye and Marnie Frye Clayton.

Mary later married James McNair and enjoyed a new chapter in her long blessed life. Mary and James lived in Holly Hill, Santee and Murrells Inlet before James’ health deteriorated and they moved back to Columbia where they were surrounded by family.

In her last years, Mary continued to live a very active life. She cherished spending time with her numerous caring friends at the Heritage. She was a member in the Ann Pamela Cunningham Chapter of DAR (which she shared with her daughter Marnie and niece Marion), the Columbia Study Club, Heritage Small Group Bible Study and Heritage Birthday Group. She also enjoyed multiple annual family gatherings at the beach, Charleston or the mountains with 38 of her closest family members, trips with “The Sistas”, Frances, Mellie, JoAnne and Catherine and taking the grandchildren to the beach, New York, Washington and Disney World.

Mary was in excellent health prior to her illness and could outwalk her son Jay on their many excursions around the USC Horseshoe and the Capitol.

Besides her two children, Jay (Kim) and Marnie, Mary’s joy was in sharing life with her four granddaughters, Mary-Riley Clayton Walker (Daniel), Heyward Clayton Fawcett (Patrick), Emma Clayton and Katie Wallace Frye. She was truly delighted with the arrival of her first great-granddaughter, Riley McMaster Walker.

The family would like to thank the caregivers, including Angela from Cornerstone Caregivers, Diamond from Three Oaks Hospice and family members, Cindy and Catherine.

Memorials may be made to Camp Cole, 1571 Crossing Creek Road, Eastover, SC 29044.

Mary’s celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Downtown Church, 2030 Gregg Street, Columbia, with a reception immediately following the service.