Mary Estella Watson McCray

Mary Estella Watson McCray, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and devoted friend to many, died in Norman Regional Hospital, on Saturday, July 23, 2011. She was born to Arthur Sax and Estella Malerich Watson in Oil City, Pennsylvania, November 11, 1919.

Mary earned a degree in education from Slippery Rock College, a master’s degree in speech from Penn State University, and later a Reading Specialist degree from the University of Oklahoma. In 1943, she married Arthur White McCray of Rouseville, Pennsylvania. They moved to Norman, Oklahoma in 1950, where they raised their three children. Mary taught for more than 25 years in the Norman Public School System, during which time she touched many young lives and received The Teacher of the Year award. Mrs. McCray was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, served as President of the Women’s Club and participated in many other ministries including visiting the sick in the hospital as an extraordinary minister of communion. In recognition of her service, Mary received honors including Woman of the Year Award and The St. Joseph the Worker Award. She also belonged to Delta Kappa Gamma and enjoyed socializing with dear friends in Bridge Clubs and traveling with family.

Mary is survived by her daughter Katherine of Marietta, Georgia and son David of Farmington, New Mexico; eleven grandchildren, Greg Hatcher (VA), Traci Byrd (CA), Jason Hatcher (TX), Kim Lacy (CA), Megan Souther (GA), Amy Caldwell (GA), Cara Blair (GA), Paul Hatcher (GA), Kelly McCray (UT), Alex McCray (UT), Bethany Hatcher (GA); and twenty-three great grandchildren. She is also survived by cousins Frank Reidy (FL) and Eileen Guerin (PA).

Mary was preceded in death by her mother (at age one), her father and step-mother Arthur Sax and Katherine Madden Watson, her brother Arthur Francis Watson, husband Arthur White McCray, son John Arthur McCray, and great grandson Daniel Blair.

Services for Mary McCray include a rosary vigil prayer service on Tuesday, July 26 at 6:00 PM, Primrose Funeral Service Home, 1109 North Porter Ave, Norman, OK, and a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, July 27 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 421 E. Acres, Norman, OK.

Mary was an inspiration to family and friends alike, a role model of grace and wisdom, always letting her love be felt by those around her.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any Catholic charity.

Arrangements under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service, Norman, OK.