Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner was born in Monroe, North Carolina, into a family with a rich history of invention. Her father, Sidney Nathaniel Davidson, was himself an inventor, holding a patent for a clothes press. This early exposure to innovation fostered Mary's own inventive spirit from a young age.

Even as a child, Mary showed a keen interest in problem-solving and inventing. She spent her time disassembling and reassembling objects, trying to understand how they worked and improve upon them. One notable childhood "invention" was a self-oiling door hinge, demonstrating her early aptitude for engineering solutions.

Mary's early adulthood was significantly impacted by the Great Depression and the pervasive racial segregation of the time. These circumstances created significant financial challenges and limited opportunities for her to fully pursue her inventive passions. Despite these obstacles, she continued to develop her ideas and seek ways to bring them to fruition.

Mary Kenner invented the sanitary belt in the 1920s, but it wasn't until the 1950s that she was able to afford a patent. Her adjustable sanitary belt was a groundbreaking invention designed to provide greater comfort and prevent leaks, offering a more hygienic and reliable solution than existing methods during menstruation. The belt featured a moisture-proof napkin pocket.

Despite the clear benefits of her sanitary belt, a company that initially expressed interest in manufacturing it rejected the idea upon learning that Kenner was African American. This incident highlighted the significant racial discrimination prevalent during that era and the barriers faced by Black inventors.

Mary Kenner finally secured a patent for her sanitary belt in 1959. This marked a significant milestone in her journey as an inventor, officially recognizing her innovative design and granting her exclusive rights to its production and sale. She later created several variations of her design.

Kenner didn't stop with the sanitary belt. Over the years, she accumulated a total of five patents, including one for a carrier attachment for invalid walkers and another for a bath and back washer. Her inventions reflected a desire to improve the lives of people with disabilities and enhance everyday convenience.

Kenner patented a carrier attachment for invalid walkers in 1976. This invention allowed individuals using walkers to easily carry items such as purses, bags, or other personal belongings, improving their mobility and independence.

Mary Beatrice Davidson Kenner passed away on January 13, 2006, leaving behind a legacy of ingenuity and perseverance. Despite facing significant challenges due to her race and gender, she remained committed to her inventive pursuits and made valuable contributions to improving personal hygiene and assistive devices.