Oseola McCarty saved up enough money from working as a washerwoman to become the University of Southern Mississippi’s famous financial supporter. McCarty saved up to donate $150,000 to give the school to help aid incoming students. The Mississippi native was born on March 7, 1908 in Wayne County, MS. She would move to Hattiesburg where the college is located as a child. McCarty dropped out of school in the 6th grade and became a washerwoman in town.
McCarty worked as a washerwoman until 1944, once her arthritis took away her ability to move easily.
Link to original source