Ethel Baker McNair, 90, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at Wilora Lake Healthcare in Charlotte, NC.

After her journey on earth, Ethel Baker McNair passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026. Ethel was born in Pageland, Chesterfield County, South Carolina on December 16, 1935, to the late Julius Baker and Susie Blakeney Baker Robinson. She was the final member of her class of 14 graduates from Petersburg High School’s Class of 1952. She often reminisced about her time playing on the girls’ basketball team during the era when girls played most games outside and only on half court.

In 1954, Ethel married T. Y. McNair. They moved to Charlotte in 1955 to find better employment and start their family. They lived in the Brookhill Community until 1962 when they bought their home in the newly established University Park neighborhood, along the historic Beatties Ford Road corridor. Ethel pursued better job opportunities and retired from Rexham Corporation in 1995, after over 25 years of service. When she got tired of being at home, she went back to work delivering flowers for the former Roy White’s Florist and Fashion Florist.

While living in the Brookhill Community, Ethel joined South Tryon Presbyterian Church. She was a charter member of Clanton Presbyterian which became South End Presbyterian. When South End began worshipping with Memorial Presbyterian, she transferred her membership to officially become a member of the Memorial Presbyterian Church Family. As a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, Ethel was active in many roles. She was a Presbyterian Women Honorary Lifetime Membership Recipient, Missionary Circle of Ruth, an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School Recorder, and the Choir, of which she served as President. She also served as Moderator for Worship and Music for many years. In 1983, Ethel served as a Delegate to the General Assembly which united the Northern (United Presbyterian) and Southern (Presbyterian, US) to form the Presbyterian Church, USA.

Outside of church activities, Ethel enjoyed cooking for her family and friends, calling and visiting those on the sick and shut-in list, and sending cards. If Ethel knew your birth date, you could rest assured that you would receive a card on your next birthday. After retirement she delivered Friendship Trays to seniors and shut-in residents around Charlotte. When her grandchildren started school, she proudly shuttled them from school to after-school and summer activities.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three siblings, Eutha Wingfield, Alonzo Baker, Lillie Eison, and her son, Reginald Scott “Scottie” McNair. Ethel leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Teresa McNair Shipman and son-in-love, Rev. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman; three grandchildren: Joshua McKoy Shipman, Jamiel Baker Shipman, Joy Scott Shipman; her niece Deborah Hoyle with whom she shared a relationship like a daughter; bonus grandsons, LeDuan Pratt (Shannon) and Anthony Pratt (Rebecca); and five bonus great-grandchildren, Laila, Lehana, Langston Pratt; Jayden Buckley, Ryan Pratt; brothers-in-law, Lyvoid McNair (Charlita) and Charles Douglas; sister-in-law, Johnsie Huntley; special friends, Gayle and John Crawford, Claude and Nancy McClinton, Vivian Brown and Lillie Thomas; along with her adopted goddaughter, Dana Jones (Rahsarn). Ethel came from a large family leaving behind several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Although she is gone from our midst, she will forever be in our hearts.

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.  (Proverbs 31:30)