Alice McCoy goes home

BY EMMA CAVIN, Contributor 

Alice Charlotte McCoy, née Mohr, the first black, female pharmacist in St. Petersburg, passed away Sat., Jan 23.

McCoy’s bright eyes, sunny smiles and friendly disposition were noticed as soon as a customer entered the doors of the pharmacy, or those who just came in for a sandwich or cold drink at the luncheonette. Both children and adults enjoyed the cheerfulness and good health advice she dispensed with every prescription filled.  Well-known for her untiring efforts to help others, she gave of her time, talents and personal resources to help anyone in need.  To many, she was like a mother or big sister.

The year was 1960 when McCoy and Alphonso Mitchell (another black pharmacist) became business partners.  The two of them established the Doctor’s Pharmacy on 22nd Street and 15th Avenue South, across from Mercy Hospital.

Located in the middle of what is now called Midtown, the pharmacy served the community as a professional business with the space to meet others or have lunch and a chat.  After five years, the partnership dissolved, and McCoy became the sole owner and operator with other pharmacists working part-time shifts.  She operated the business for 22 more years.

As the valedictorian of her class, she graduated from Gibbs High School in 1946. She earned a degree from the School of Pharmacy at Xavier University in Louisiana.  In addition to operating her business, she married and became the mother of three children.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m. with the wake at 6 p.m. Fri, Jan. 29 at McRae Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Sat., Jan. 30 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 2101 22nd Ave. S.