Daisy R. McDuffie

Mrs. Daisy Dean Rogers McDuffie passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at home in Rock Hill, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late James "Boy" Rogers, Sr. and Carrie Wilson Rogers.

She was born on February 22, 1922 in Conway, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Dock Cleveland McDuffie, Jr., her son Malcolm Bernard McDuffie.

Daisy began her formal education in the Conway public schools in Horry County, South Carolina. After graduating from Whittemore School in Conway in 1940, Daisy enrolled in South Carolina State University. As part of her degree preparation, Daisy completed student teaching at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, Beaufort, SC. She graduated in 1944 with a degree in elementary education.

Daisy married her college sweetheart Dock Cleveland McDuffie, Jr., on June 27, 1945 (class of 1943). To this union, three sons were born: Roger Kent McDuffie, Dock Cleveland McDuffie, III, and Malcolm Bernard McDuffie. In 1946, the young couple moved to Little Rock, South Carolina (Dillon County), where they both landed positions in education. They remained in Little Rock for nine years. When her husband accepted a principalship at Sunset Park Elementary School in 1955, the family relocated to Rock Hill where Daisy continued her career as an educator.

Daisy spent the remainder of her teaching career in the Rock Hill School District in various schools from Fairfield School to West End Elementary School to Northside Elementary School. She received a Masters of Education Degree from Winthrop University in 1976 and after 35 years of teaching, Daisy retired from Northside School in 1981. During those many years of classroom teaching, mentoring, mothering, and caring, she influenced the lives of thousands of children throughout the state of South Carolina.

Daisy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age when she joined Bethel AME Church, Conway, South Carolina. After moving to Rock Hill, she became an active member of Hermon Presbyterian Church under the leadership of Reverend Cecil Ivory. At Hermon, she served in many capacities including Elder, Clerk of the Session, and Mother of the Church.

Daisy enjoyed a long and prosperous life with many awards, and achievements. A Kappa Silhouette, she was also a life member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and served as the 17th Chapter President of the Delta Xi Zeta Chapter, 2003-2004; a life member of the NAACP; and a former member of Daughters of Light, Lodge 151, Order of Eastern Star. Her civic involvement with the community after retirement was through her service as a member of the Rock Hill Tourism Commission, the York County Education Association (Retired), the York County Council on Aging Board, and Poll Manager, Sunset Park Precinct for many years. She was recognized as a 50-year member of the York-Chester Chapter of the South Carolina State University National Alumni Association (2015). The City of Rock Hill honored her with a key to the city in recognition of her 100th birthday, and the SC House of Representatives honored her with the declaration of Daisy Rogers McDuffie Day on February 22, 1997. Daisy was recognized at the West End historical marker unveiling on Cherry Road on June 19, 2021, as the oldest living teacher. She was again honored in August 2025 by the S.C. State House of Representatives by naming Ogden Road in Sunset Park, "Daisy Rogers McDuffie Road." She was honored on her 104th birthday by the SC State National Alumni Association as the oldest living alumna.

Daisy enjoyed summers on Atlantic Beach, where her aunt was owner of the hotel/restaurant "Bernice's Place." Her love of seafood, especially blue crab, was well known by the family; but her love for anything sweet was beyond compare. Daisy often enjoyed the fellowship and company of family and friends, and could make a conversation last for hours. She once held a conversation non-stop from Rock Hill, SC to Ft. Campbell, KY.

She is survived by her sons Roger Kent McDuffie (Mary) of Charlotte, North Carolina and Dock Cleveland McDuffie, III, (Faye) of York, South Carolina. Six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and her extended Rock Hill church and community family.

She truly loved and lived life to the fullest. A virtuous woman, she loved her family fiercely, served God faithfully, and carried herself with grace and dignity. Her memory will forever be treasured, and her spirit will live on through all who loved her. Though we will miss her dearly, we rejoice in knowing that she is at peace in God's eternal kingdom.

In lieu of Flowers, The Family Requests Donations in her memory be made to Hermon Presbyterian Church, P.O Box 627, Rock Hill, SC 29731.