And he said to her, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” ~ Luke 23:43 🕊

If you could see me now, you wouldn’t shed a tear. Though you may not understand why I’m no longer there. Remember my spirit that is the real me because I’m still very much alive, I’ve just been set free, Oh, if you could only see! I have beheld our Father’s face and I’ve touched my Savior’s hand.

All of Heaven’s angels rejoiced as I entered the Promised Land. Beyond the gates of pearl, I’ve walked on the golden streets. I’ve touched the walls of jasper and dipped my foot in the Crystal Sea. The beauty is beyond words and nothing could compare, I’ve even seen your mansion and someday I’ll meet you there. Let Jesus be your guide because His Word will show you the way! So please don’t cry because we will meet again someday.

To my loving and caring family, carry on and look to God for comfort. Know that I am no longer suffering, my mind is free and clear, and my love for each of you is everlasting. Continue to make your mark on the world.

“Who can find a Virtuous woman? For her price is far above Rubies…”- Proverbs 31:10

Roshelle Roberts McCrae entered this life on May 4, 1958, to Mr. Willie Lee Roberts and the late Shirley Marie McEady Roberts in Clinch County, GA.

“Her children arise and call her blessed: her husband also, and he praiseth her...” – Proverbs 31:28

Roshelle was a caring and giving person who cherished her family deeply. On December 20, 1980, John McCrae and Roshelle Roberts became married at Roshelle’s family church-Bethel AME in Lakeland, GA. To this union, two beautiful daughters were born. John and Roshelle were blessed on October 11, 1982, to welcome their first baby girl Latora Chante Huggins (Marquis). Their final daughter, Candace Monique, completed this family unit on July 5, 1990. On August 17, 2013, Jade Elis Richardson became the twinkle of her grandmother's eye as her only granddaughter.

At a young age, Roshelle always knew that her life’s mission was to help people and to be a voice for the voiceless. She was an educated woman who studied to show herself approved. Roshelle received her early education in the Lanier County Public School System. Following the completion of her undergraduate degree in psychology from Valdosta State University, she attained the Masters of Arts in Christian Education at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.

“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy…” – Proverbs 31:20

After graduating college, Roshelle became a mental health advocate with Greenleaf Behavioral Center, Valdosta, GA where she worked in mental health development for two years. She later took her skills to Parkwood Development Center, Valdosta, GA where she was a Behavioral Specialist working with the mentally and physically challenged giving a decade of service. After working for over 23 years and earning the title of At-Risk Adult Crime Tactics (ACT) Specialist for the State of Georgia in the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) and Division of Aging Adult Protective Services she decided to retire.

“She speaks with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness ”. – Proverbs 31:26

From her youth, Roshelle was active in the AME church. In the early days of her marriage, while teaching “Children’s Church” at Bethel AME in Lakeland, GA, her pastor, the late Bernard Benson approached her husband John and asked, “How do you feel about your wife becoming a preacher?” John, being the supportive husband, he was replied, “If the LORD called her, I’m not the one to ask.”

Roshelle was admitted into the 122nd Session of the Old Georgia Conference under the leadership of the late Bishop Frederick Hilborn Talbot and the late Presiding Elder J. B. Robinson. In 1991, Roshelle was ordained an Itinerant Elder under the leadership of the late Bishop John Hurst Adams. The Reverend Roshelle McCrae served with authority and grace to many AME Congregations throughout her ministry: St. Paul AME, Argyle, GA (3 yrs); St. Paul AME, Willacoochee, GA (3 yrs); Allen Chapel AME, Sandybottom, GA (7 yrs); Mt. Olive AME, Broxton, GA (7 yrs); Greater Bethel AME, Lakeland, GA (1 yr); and in 2009 Reverend McCrae was assigned to Greater Mt. Zion AME, Waycross, GA (12 yrs). She was the first woman to serve as the senior pastor in many of these assignments.

Roshelle was a true Pastor because she loved the hard work of ministry. This was displayed in the way she honored the ordinances of her faith in word and deed. She promoted attending church, church school, leading Bible study, Church History, Love Feast, and visiting the sick and shut-in members and non-members under her care at hospitals, nursing homes, personal care homes, and private homes consistently. Roshelle was a Pastor that always had an encouraging word, a scripture text, and a prayer for people who felt like they were not worthy, people who were just having a bad day, and for anyone she met that would accept what the Lord gave her to say. She too was an on-call volunteer chaplain for the local hospital. Over the years Roshelle received numerous awards and accolades from the church. One she cherished was being selected as the Waycross District YPD Pastor of the Year.

“Many women do noble things, but you excel them all”– Proverbs 31:29

Roshelle was always thinking of ways to help people in need in the Lanier County/Lakeland area. And was a woman of firsts trailblazing a path that none had walked before. She joined the local Ministerial Association of Lanier County and was the first female pastor to join. She birthed the idea of having a “5th Sunday sing”, where the churches in the region would come together and worship God through song on a rotating basis. The donations that were collected would go into an account that was opened at the local bank. She served as clerk ensuring those given these funds were screened and funds were used properly Roshelle was also an inaugural member and supporter of the “Peanut Butter and Jesus Ministry” of Lakeland/Lanier County where over 400 bagged lunches containing peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit, and a juice box were given to kids and adults on Saturday mornings.

Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. – Proverbs 31:31

Early June 14, 2022, at “The Langdale House” in Valdosta, GA, the LORD said to Roshelle “Well done my good and faithful servant. Your job is complete” and she transitioned from labor to reward.

Rev. McCrae was preceded in death by her mother Shirley Marie Roberts, grandmother and grandfather: Mattie Lee and Oscar McEady, aunts: Annie, Rosa Lee, Corrine, Nancy, and Martha, uncles: Oscar Jr., John C., John D., and Ivory, Mother and Father-in-Law: James and Charlie Mae, brother and sister-in-law: James Jr and Roberta McGriff.

Roshelle leaves to cherish her memories her husband John, children: Latora (Marquis) and Candace, grandchildren: Jade Elis and Taleb Huggins, father Willie Lee Roberts, brother Travis Roberts (Brenda), Sisters-in-law, Janice Hadley, Cynthia McCrae-Warren (Kenneth deceased), Brothers-in-law: Michael McCrae (Wonda), Frederick McCrae (Mary), uncles: Erasmus McEady (Loverette), Alvin McEady (Francis), Robert Lee McEady, aunts: Lola Mae McCrae (Earnest-deceased). Janice Gordon (Anthony-deceased), sister/friend Gwendolun Cloud, special friend Donna Sirmons (Arthur), god-children: Cedric Campbell, Jonathan Campbell, Keith Campbell, Gabriel Cloud, Kimberly Gaines, SFC Kizzy Lacey, and Ann Reese-Tyler. Special Cousins: Constance Jacobs (Melvin) and Kim Lacey (Arthur) She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Life is just a stepping-stone, a pause before we make it home. A simple place to rest and be, until we reach eternity. Everyone has a life journey, a path to take with lots to see. God guides our steps along the way, but we were never meant to stay. Our final destination is a place Filled with love, His majesty and grace.

The McCrae Family, extended family members, the community, the Body of Christ, and friends will gather to celebrate the life of Pastor Roshelle McCrae on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 11:00 AM from the sanctuary of Southside Baptist Church - 326 South Hwy. 221 Lakeland, GA. Internment will follow at Charles Knight Cemetery.

A public viewing will take place on Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM from the Mt. Zion AME Church sanctuary in Waycross Georgia. In addition to Friday, June 24, 2022 from 12 Noon to 7:00 PM from the Bethel AME Church sanctuary in Lakeland Georgia.

The precious life of one who has gone before us, the race she has won. Her journey has now ended, her spirit has ascended claiming the great reward With Jesus, our Lord.

McCrae Family Members, on behalf of Mr. Antonio D. Harrington Sr., the Harrington family and the entire staff, we extend our deepest condolences and we thank you for entrusting us with your loved one. May the blessings of the Lord keep you is our prayer.

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