Linda Ann McCray

Linda McCray, 84, of Columbia, formerly of Kansas City, passed away with her family at her side on Tuesday, March 29, 2022. Per her wishes, a private graveside service will be held in Memorial Park Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life to be scheduled at a later date.

Linda was born July 2, 1937, in Joplin, MO, to Vernon and Edna Burkhalter and was a graduate of Jefferson City High School. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Missouri. On July 21, 1962, she married Harvey McCray. She had a long career in education, teaching elementary and middle school, most notably Oxford Park Academy in Leawood, KS. She was an avid bridge player and a member of PEO chapters in Lincoln, NE, Kansas City, MO, and Columbia, MO. She was also active in church groups and choirs including the Columbia Mothersingers, the Leawood (KS) Singers, and several church choirs. She was most recently a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Harvey McCray, children Melissa McCray of Kansas City, MO, and Burke (Gail) McCray of Columbia, grandchildren Ainsley and Quincy McCray, niece Judie (Teri Pharris) Burkhalter of Kansas City, nephew Michael (Paul Feuerborn) Burkhalter of Kansas City, nephew Al McCray of Slocomb, AL, niece Nancy (James) Sterling of Columbia, nephew Scott (Patricia) McCray of Dixon, MO, and a loving extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Mike Burkhalter, and sister-in-law Joyce Burkhalter.

Memorial contributions may be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library.