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. and Juanita 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.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at Melina Presbyterian Church, 3539 Black River Road, Gable, SC 29051.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Ephriam D. Stephens Funeral Home, 230 S. Lafayette Drive, Sumter, SC. Announcement courtesy of Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.