Mother Mary D. McCray was born June 13, 1944 in Jasper, Texas to Jack and Winnie Bronson Armstrong. She attended and graduated from the J.H. Rowe School class of 1962. She attended Angelina College where she received her Business Degree.

Mary married the love of her life Willie H. McCray. Joined together for over 60 years. To this union five children was born: Lisa, Amy, Marcia, William and Jeremy McCray.

Sis Mary was a lifetime member of the Armstrong C.M.E. Church. She was born, raised, baptized, married and a loyal dedicated faithful member until the end. Sis. Mary became the oldest women of the church entitling her to her last prestige title, "the Mother of the Church".

Mary worked for the Jasper Independent School District for over 25 years; as well as Newton, Burkeville and Brookland. She met no strangers and enjoyed educating those in need for any assistance needed. Sis Mary held many leadership positions; President of Pastor Aide, Missionary Society Member, Choir Member, Elizabeth B.R. Courts of Calathe, Member of Apollo Committee, Church Secretary, Senior Announcement Clerk, Mother of the Armstrong C.M.E. Church.

Mary loved holiday cooking, family gatherings, reading & story telling of yester years; but her all-time favorite was traveling and shopping.

Mother Mary McCray STYLE & GRACE was her signature trademark.

Mother Mary McCray was preceded in death by her parents; Jack and Winnie Bronson Armstrong; brother, Wiley Coleman; five sisters, Ida Garza, Charlene Beaty, Gladys Bonner –Adams, Imogene Armstrong and Dorothy T. Coleman; grandparents, Angeline Mitchell and Edward Bronson, and her grandson, Jacoby R. McFarland.

She leaves to cherish her everlasting memories; her husband, Willie H. McCray; five children, Lisa Adams, Amy Bankhead (Gentry), Marcia Bronson (Hank), William McCray (Vanessia), Jeremy McCray; sister, Johnnie Hamilton (Lee); brother, Harold Armstrong Sr. (Beulah); sister/niece, Brenday Gray; aunt, Irene Thompson; sister-n-law, Rose Armstrong; 21 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.