Marion Altha Mccray

Marion A. Smith was born on August 11, 1923 in Waldo, Arkansas, to proud parents Oliver and Willie Mae Smith. Marion is the eldest of four children Arlene, Vera, and Etoria. Marion grew up in Waldo, and in McNeil, Arkansas, where she attended elementary, Junior high, and high school. During her high school years, she became very active in church and, she was a standout athlete in basketball. Marion met Curtis McCray of McNeil, Arkansas, in 1939. They married in 1941, and with that union, they were blessed with 11 children. In 1951, with six children in tow, they moved from Arkansas to Oakland, California, for more opportunity. Both Curtis and Marion worked two jobs. They were very proud parents who wanted to give their children a chance to succeed in life. Prayers, work, and their children were their life's work. Over the years, they continued to build a better life for their family, buying one home after another as their family grew. Marion was a tall, beautiful, smart, and statuesque woman, who knew what she wanted. Marion wanted a career, not just a job. While working for someone else and raising her children, she saw an opportunity to own her own business, and opted to go to cosmetology school for one and half years to earn her license. She built and enjoyed a successful career as a beautician for three decades. Marion loved cooking big meals, hosting barbecues, and having family, friends, and church members over to play Bid Whist, and have a little fun. One thing that was constant in her life was God. Curtis and Marion instilled in their children that God was first. Marion was a strong believer in the power of prayer and belonged to several prayer groups. With all the children grown, and out on theirown, she began to spend more time focusing on her grandchildren and church. The McCray family was luckier than most, because her children lived in several different states. Marion and Curtis enjoyed traveling to different parts of the country to spend time with their kids, and grandkids. They resided in California, Minnesota, Ohio, and Nevada after they retired. In 1996, Marion lost the love of her life of 55 years, Curtis McCray. Preceding her in death was her father Oliver, her mother Willie Mae, sisters, Etoria Evans, and Arlene Gibson, sons Curtis Burnell, Eddie Ray, Michael, Bruce, and daughter Vivian La Frances. Marion leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Vera Hopkins of Dallas, Texas, her daughters Gloria Jean McCray of Columbus, Ohio, Ouida Thomas of Las Vegas, Nevada, sons James McCray of Napa, California, Lawrence Donnell McCray (Frieda) of Stockton, CA, Geoffrey McCray (Debra) of Phoenix, Arizona, and George McCray (Susan) of Powell, Ohio. Marion also leaves a host of Grandkids, Great Grandkids Great-Great Grandkids, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews, and Friends. Marion was affectionately known as "Bip", "Ma Dear", "Grandma', Nano", "Big Grandma","Mother Dear", "Mom", and "Dear". Marion was graceful and had a kind voice, she was always a joy. She loved people and everyone loved her. "You've earned your wings" and we will all miss you.