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Mrs. Leola McCray, 85, died peacefully September 17, 2010 in her home. She was born in Monticello on March 7, 1925 to Toliver and Lola Sanders. Leola was united in marriage to James A. McCray on April 18, 1953 and to this union, six children were born.
Mrs. McCray was a member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where she served in various capacities including President of the Lula B. Tillman Missionary Society, member of the choir, and assisted in coordinating the youth Christmas program. She worked faithfully in the church until her health failed. Sister McCray loved the Lord. During her pastime, she could be found singing, teaching and talking about how good God is. She wrote a song and titled it 'How Good God Has Been To Me'. This song was recorded by a recording artist.
Affectionately called 'Momma Love', first by her grandchildren, she was known as a supporter, encourager and leader by example. These traits were not only displayed in her home. but also in the community and church. As a community worker, she found Hands Extended for Love of People (HELP,Inc.), a community program designed to assist, encourage and motivate young people to become productive citizens. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James A. McCray, parents and six siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memories her children: Gloria Trudo and Corine Smith of Milwaukee, WI; Patricia Haynes and Lola (Arthur) Bess of Memphis, TN; James Lee (Hazelene) McCray, Wanda (Robert) Carr, Bennie (Charlie) Vincent, Vickey (Charles) Jacobs, Dewayne McCray, Richard McCray and Gwen (Robert) Arrington, all of Monticello; 29 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Mary Sanders and other relatives and friends.
Mrs. McCray was a member of Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church where she served in various capacities including President of the Lula B. Tillman Missionary Society, member of the choir, and assisted in coordinating the youth Christmas program. She worked faithfully in the church until her health failed. Sister McCray loved the Lord. During her pastime, she could be found singing, teaching and talking about how good God is. She wrote a song and titled it 'How Good God Has Been To Me'. This song was recorded by a recording artist.
Affectionately called 'Momma Love', first by her grandchildren, she was known as a supporter, encourager and leader by example. These traits were not only displayed in her home. but also in the community and church. As a community worker, she found Hands Extended for Love of People (HELP,Inc.), a community program designed to assist, encourage and motivate young people to become productive citizens. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, James A. McCray, parents and six siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memories her children: Gloria Trudo and Corine Smith of Milwaukee, WI; Patricia Haynes and Lola (Arthur) Bess of Memphis, TN; James Lee (Hazelene) McCray, Wanda (Robert) Carr, Bennie (Charlie) Vincent, Vickey (Charles) Jacobs, Dewayne McCray, Richard McCray and Gwen (Robert) Arrington, all of Monticello; 29 grandchildren, 52 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, a sister-in-law, Mary Sanders and other relatives and friends.