About Lynette
Lynette Spears McCall was born October 2, 1955 and raised by her grandmother in Cuba, AL. In childhood she endured various setbacks, including the loss of her mother, financial hardships, and low self-esteem. Despite her circumstances, she developed positive relationships with many loved ones and grew into a woman who spread love and encouragement to those around her.
In 1973, Lynette graduated from Sumter County High School and set her sights on Tuskegee Institute where she juggled school, work, and young motherhood. It was at Tuskegee where she met Bobby McCall, whom she’d later marry in 1981. While raising their two daughters, they emphasized the importance of prayer, generosity, and hard, honest work. Lynette believed in inclusion, philanthropy, and uplifting youth. She was not only persistent in her effort to ensure her daughters never experienced the isolation she felt as a child, but she also extended her kindness and empathy to others she encountered. She gave her time, energy and positivity to numerous charitable organizations, community groups, and family projects. Her versatility set an example for many as she ignored stereotypes and mastered both traditional and unconventional tasks from sewing and baking to carpentry and firefighting. She valued learning new skills, working with her hands, and strategizing to solve problems. Those who truly knew her agree that her presence made each room more joyful and each goal more likely to be achieved.
Tragically, Lynette’s life was cut short at work when an employee entered the facility with multiple guns and opened fire on the morning of July 8, 2003 in one of the deadliest workplace shootings in the nation’s history. She was 47 years old. This senseless act of violence left family and friends devastated and the community demoralized. However, we realized the importance of carrying on her legacy, especially in a world that can be so cruel.
Though Lynette is no longer with us physically, we hope to keep her memory alive through the kindness we show others. Her compassion, strength, leadership, social awareness, and faith should continue in us all. Because she loved her hometown so much, her family has chosen to recognize young, college-bound leaders of Sumter County.
This $1,000 scholarship was created in 2018 to reward Sumter Central High School graduates who exhibit qualities so many admired about Lynette. Her family hopes that with continued community support, this fund will grow to become a blessing to more and more students each year.
See below for information about eligibility and donating.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals each year to help deserving SCHS students.
