Geraldine McRay

Geraldine McRay, known by all as "Gerri", was born in Chambers (Winstonville) Mississippi to Mary B. Williams and Paul Harris. During her 90+ years she, lived in Mississippi and several other states before eventually settling in Memphis late in life to be closer to family. According to her dear cousin Dorothy, Gerri was a very popular and spoiled child who had many talents as well a pleasant personality. These are traits that she retrained throughout her life.

Gerri married Willie McRay (Buddy) at a young age, but the marriage ended, and they went on to raise families with other individuals. Ironically, over 50 years later they were reunited in marriage and remained together until his death. In addition to her husband Buddy, Gerri was preceded in death by her parents Mary Beatrice and Paul; children R'Cell, Anthony, Sharon and Syhrette; grandchildren Nikia, R'Cell Jr, Erica and "Lil Tony".

Gerri was always industrious and had a strong entrepreneurial spirit. Her professional career was primarily in healthcare, but she always had a side hustle 🙂. She worked many years at Warrington"s Clinic in Shelby, Mississippi where she assisted in the delivery of hundreds of children from the surrounding areas. True to her business mindedness, while working at Warrington’s Clinic during the day she successfully secured the job for janitorial services at the clinic during the evenings. Through the years Gerri also owned and operated several businesses in Shelby and Winstonville, and for years was an "Avon Lady". Even with all that she did professionally, Gerri's superpower was her great capacity for caring, whether it was family, a random stranger or a stray dog, she always gave of her time and resources. As such she touched many and will be missed greatly.

Gerri is survived by her son Eric Jones of Colorado, daughter Gina Noel of Maryland, grandchildren LaShanda Jones, Evette Vinnett (Chris) Gina Segree (Chris) Venzuay Stewart (Kenny) all off Memphis, Andrew Harris (Valerie) of California, Andre Spearman (Tekeisha/Jameela) of Texas; Sara Zucker of Colorado, Sierra Zucker of Illinois, Spencer Jones of Denver, CO; 27 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchild. She is also survived by her sisters Anita Ball of Georgia, Christine Jones of California and Augusta Grimm of Oregon, sister-cousin Dorothy Williams of California, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends.

She lived a long, full life and did it her way

A visitation for Geraldine will be held Sunday, January 26, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Ave, Memphis, TN 38122, followed by a funeral service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.