Mary Ellen McCray

Mrs. Mary Ellen McCray, affectionately referred to as “Thelma” was born on October 2, 1937, in 

Sumter, South Carolina, to the late Timothy Nathaniel Sr. andJuanita Phillips Nathaniel. She 

entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at her residence.

She received her formal education in the public schools of Sumter County. At an early age, she gave her life to Christ and joined Salem Baptist Church. And later, after marriage, she joined Melina Presbyterian Church where she served on various organizations.

Mary was joined in holy matrimony to the late James Elliott McCray, and they were blessed with five children.

She was preceded in death by her son, Michael A. McCray; and four brothers; Timothy, Willie James, Nathaniel and Joe Phillips.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories: one daughter, Clarissa Marcella (Roger) Metze; three sons; James Kenneth (Louise) McCray; Terry Eugene (Gladys)McCray; of Sumter, South Carolina and Ricky Maurice (Lisa) McCray, of Charleston, South Carolina; eight grandchildren; two special grandchildren, Michaela and Tyler Metze; a host of great-grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, five sisters- in-laws; Mary Gamble George of Brooklyn, New  York, Ruby McCray of Baltimore, Maryland,  Sue M. Collins, Catherine McCray, and Ester Phillips of Sumter, South  Carolina; a God Son, Anthony (Fredrica) Deas; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

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