Claudine Latane McCray

Claudine A. (Latane) Ross McCray, 85, of Reading, peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 in Berks Heim Nursing and Rehabilitation Center where she had resided since 2012. She was the loving wife of Earnest R. McCray, Jr. of Reading.

Claudine lovingly entered our world on December 28, 1930 in King and Queen County, VA. She was a daughter of the late Woodie and Louise (Roane) Latane. She was employed with Sew Mohr as a seamstress, Wilson Products making safety glasses, Berkshire Knitting Mills in the Pairing Dept. and at the former Gosnell Funeral Home as a housekeeper.

Claudine was a faithful and active member of Zion Baptist Church where she was a Deaconess and Pastor's Aide. She enjoyed singing with the church choir and her favorite song was "Lord, I Thank You". Claudine ushered at the church and was part of the Missionary. In fact, she was instrumental in starting the Women's Ministry with Grace Jones at the church. Claudine loved the Lord so much, that even while at Berks Heim, she conducted church and bible study.

Everybody loved Ms. Claudine; she called everyone her "Doll Baby".

She was a member of George Washington Carver American Legion Post #962 on Third St. where she was also a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary. Claudine was also a member of the Mary Alice Temple #108.

Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Earnest; two daughters, Teresa L. (Ross) Albrecht of Womelsdorf and Benita McCray of Brooklyn, NY; four sons, Preston J. Ross and his wife, Loretta of Maryland, Michael A. Ross of Reading, Darrian J. McCray of Brooklyn, NY and Dowin McCray of Brooklyn, NY; 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a great great granddaughter.

Also surviving are two sisters, Violet (Latane) Carter and her husband, John of Baltimore, MD and Lulabell (Latane) Queen of Reading and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, Claudine is predeceased by four sons, Edward D. Smith, James D. Ross, Ralph C. Ross and Charles H. Ross; a daughter, Christine E. Ross; a brother, Douglas Latane; two sisters, Millicent (Latane) Travillion and Laura (Latane) Hickman and an infant brother, Dupont Latane.

Going Home Services will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at 11am in Zion Baptist Church, 224 Washington St., Reading, PA 10601. Family and friends will be received in the church on Tuesday from 10 to 11am. Claudine will be laid to rest in Charles Evans Cemetery, Reading.

Theo C. Auman Funeral Home, Reading has the honor of arranging the services for Ms. Claudine.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be appreciated at Zion Baptist Church, 224 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Compassionate Care Hospice; especially to her RN, Linda Strahn and CNA, Marie Piiru.

www.theocauman.com