Gloria McCray

Obituary For Gloria McCray

Gloria McCray, daughter of the late Ruth Clark and Ellis McCray Sr was born on November 9, 1940 in Edisto Island, South Carolina. She departed this life on August 17, 2021, surrounded by those who will continue to love and cherish her memories.

Gloria affectionately known as "Big Gloria", "Ms. G', "Myma", "Glo", "Moping Glo" and "Chocolate Girl" grew up in Harlem. She attended P.S. 89 Elementary School, Harriet Beecher Stowe Middle School and Julia Richman High School. She worked at Bore-Core Paint Supplies up until 1975, then her journey and interest were solidified. She began her life long calling at Addie Mae Collins Head Start Program. She was a natural born nurturer finding herself starting a daycare of her own after retirement.

She was strict, hold no punches, say what's on your mind kind of girl. She was vibrant, full of life and would take you in with open arms. Along with her striking beauty a phenomenal personality. She was witty and always had a comeback. She was larger than life and she knew it. She loved her children dearly, but those grands.....she loved them most. She was the provider and matriarch of an entire village. Her arms reached far and wide. She made you feel like you were always loved and welcomed in her home anytime. There was always food on the stove cooked to perfection when you came to Ms. G's house. She was a leader of Kings and Queens and she will be missed immensely.

Leaving behind to cherish her memories: brother, Ellis McCray Jr (Linda McCray); aunt, Helen Wright; three daughters Marguerite Edwards, Michelle McCray, and Stacey McCray; 21 grandchildren, Vanessa Nichols, Jermaine Bolden, Raheem Bolden (Theresa Bolden), Damani Johnson (Flor Johnson), Tashara Edward (Ron Jenkins), Shavaun Martin (William Paige), Marquis Martin, Tochelle McCray, Cory Hickson, Naeema McCray, Kyme McCray, Wesley Capel, Kristine McLeod, Mary Martin, Kylia Martin, Jasmine Martin, Jennifer Martin, Bishme McLeod, Jaden McCray-Bantum, Taquel Martin, My'asia Martin; a host of great and great great grands; three nieces, Natalie Wright, Jamela Salley, Ashante McCray; two nephews, Jamal McCray and Omar McCray; five godchildren, Mark Madden, Eric Curry, Randell Maybank, Asia Lewis and Taseana Richards. She also leaves to mourn many cousins and friends.