Mary McNair

January 16, 1963 - October 05, 2026

Obituary

Mary D. McNair, 63, of Platteville, Wisconsin, passed away on Monday, October 5, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at New Hope Assembly of God Church in Platteville, with funeral services to follow at 6:00 p.m. Food and fellowship will follow after the service. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory in Platteville is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.melbyfh.com.

Mary was born on January 16, 1963, in Milford, Delaware, to Charlie J. and Mabel (Jackson) Pearsall. She married Vincent “Mack” McNair on December 4, 1998, in Darlington, Wisconsin. He preceded her in death on February 23, 2022.

For more than 34 years, Mary devoted herself to caring for hundreds of children in Platteville, first through her in-home daycare, Mary’s Daycare, and later at Imagination Station group daycare center. Before moving to Platteville in 1991, she lived in the state of Delaware, where she worked as a CNA caring for the elderly and she drove a school bus for the local schools.

Mary was a natural artist who enjoyed crocheting, cross-stitching, needlework, and exploring drawing and painting. She loved tending to her flowers and plants, preparing home-cooked meals, and sharing her exceptional cooking with others. She was the ultimate “soccer mom,” cheering on her own children and later her grandchildren at games, and even coaching her children’s teams. Mary loved sports of all kinds, including football, basketball, tennis, and soccer, but her heart belonged to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mary is survived by her two sons, Steven (Cayla Redfearn) Pearsall and Jamal McNair; three grandchildren, Deon, Jaleigha, and Aubriyanna Pearsall; two foster children, Kyle and Alexis; and her siblings, Katie (Dr. Charles) Vaclavik, Charlie Pearsall, Jessie (Shandra) Pearsall, Barry Pearsall, Rudolph Pearsall, Blondeva Pearsall, Sherrod (Carol) Pearsall, Wilbert Pearsall, and Iris (Earl) Downing. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her siblings Joseph, Elizabeth, Levon, William, Norris, Evelyn, and LeRoy

Events

Visitation

Tue Oct 20, 2026 @ 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT

New Hope Assembly of God Church

Funeral Service

Tue Oct 20, 2026 @ 6:00 PM CDT

New Hope Assembly of God Church

Photos

Add photos
of Mary

Memories

Add a memory of
Mary

Stevens Family

Friend • 22 hours ago

Mrs. Mary encouraging words and motherly advice will forever be cherished. She was my children’s “Platteville Grandma”. She loved us and we loved her. So sad that they won’t be able to feel her touch but her spirit will forever be felt in our world. Rest on Mrs. Mary,

Tyeshia Thompson

Friend • 1 day ago

I’d like to extend my condolences to the entire family. Mrs Mary, you will truly be missed. From the day I met you, you showed love and support as if we’ve known each other for ever. You were there to care and teach Jay, 16 years ago and you were dedicated to help with my 2 youngest. You didn’t have the room at the daycare and refused to let me struggle, looking for daycare and found a way! I will always be thankful and blessed to have met such a pure beautiful soul. Rest Peacefully Queen

Dawn Sheffer

Friend • 1 day ago

There really are no words to adequately thank someone who loved your children when you couldn’t be there to love on them yourself. You cared for my son and daughter as though they were your own. Your home was their second home, and knowing they were with you gave me a sense of peace and reassurance that was priceless. I knew they were safe. I knew they were cared for. And most importantly, I knew they were loved. You helped teach them how to be polite and respectful, how to be kind to others, and how to give and receive love. You helped shape two little people who meant everything to me, and for that, a piece of you will always live on in our family. Years later, I was blessed to have another connection to you through Jamal. After working with him for more than nine years, I see so much goodness and kindness in the person he is, and that speaks volumes about you. You did a wonderful job raising Jamal and Steven, and your legacy lives on through them and through all the lives you touched. Our family was incredibly fortunate to have you in our lives. Thank you, Mary, for loving my children. Thank you for helping raise them. And thank you for giving this working mom the priceless gift of knowing that when I couldn't be there, they were in loving hands. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.

Carla Virgene Wages

Friend • 2 days ago

The BLKPlattCom Network extends our deepest sympathies to the entire McNair family. Mary was a loyal and dedicated family member with the BLKPlattCom Network. Mary faithfully volunteered and mentored many of our young people with unconditional love. ❤️ Mary & Mac silently supported programming financially and made time to be available when she could. Mary's heart is GOLDEN it's very rare in a lifetime to meet & love someone like her. A genuine soul truly be missed but not forgotten. 🫶🏽🕊️We love you Mary! Rest in Heaven. The Black Platteville Community Network family. 🖤💚❤️

Silvia Garcia

Friend • 2 days ago

Ms Mary leaves a huge void in our lives. Her unconditional dedication to the daycare, along with her family, transformed the childhoods of so many children, including my family. I offer my deepest condolences to you all during this time of profound sorrow. I will always remember Ms Mary with so much love, especially at the soccer games, where she would go with all her heart to watch her grandson Dion play, sharing those beautiful moments with my son Jesús at the games. Ms Mary always deeply admired my children and had a unique and sincere affection for them that we will forever cherish in our hearts. Her dedication to the daycare for over 30 years and her daily kindness left an indelible mark on us and the community. May God hold her in His arms, because the world needs more people like her. With all our love, faith, and respect, Silvia,Jesus,Juan,Alex,Julian...

Ann Mowbray

Friend • 3 days ago

Jamal and family you have our deepest sympathy! She was always smiling, beautiful lady.