Barbara Ann McCray

Where Strength Meets Grace

“The Lord is my strength and my shield.” Psalm 28:7

Barbara Ann McCray was born to the late Mildred and Richard Anderson on August 14, 1949, in Jersey City, New Jersey. Barbara was born and raised in Jersey City, NJ. She developed a strong faith, quiet strength, and loving spirit that guided her throughout her life.

Barbara departed this earthly life peacefully at home on February 25, 2026, surrounded by love, with her daughter and caregiver, Heidi, by her side. She was educated in the Jersey City Public School System, a proud Lincoln Lion, and attended Jersey City State College. She carried herself with dignity, grace, and determination in all she did. She began her professional career working for Bell South and later dedicated 39 years of service to Hudson County Welfare before retiring due to illness.

At an early age, Barbara accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a faithful member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, serving in the choir, nurses' unit, and as church secretary. Later, she joined Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. H. B. Percy. She served as a Missionary and Deaconess and assisted her husband with church fundraisers. She was also a member of the New Hope Baptist Association. Barbara deeply loved her church family at Jerusalem and found joy in their fellowship. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she always encouraged her family to trust God.

Barbara met the love of her life, the late Raymond McCray.  They married on July 15. 1978 To this union twins LaVise McCray-Davis and Raymond Laval McCray were born. Her family was her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

She had special people in her life she cherished deeply: her devoted caregiver, Heidi, whom she considered a daughter; her lifelong best friend, Alma Robinson; her goddaughter Vernice; and her special friends, Barbara Wilson, Charlie Jones, Minister Michelle Bailey, Willie Mae Convington, Wilhelmina Flowers, and Edna Williams.

Barbara had a strong personality and had a deeply compassionate heart. She was steadfast, and those who knew her understood that her strength was rooted in love. She valued faith, family, and loyalty above all. She loved watching “All My Children,” “One Life to Live,” and “General Hospital,” and later enjoyed game shows like “Family Feud” and “The Wall.” She appreciated simple comforts like her Pepsi and a cup of coffee.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love. Although she will deeply missed by her children, grandchildren, extended family, church family, and friends, we take comfort in knowing her spirit of love, strength, and faith will continue to inspire us all. Her life was a testament of love, faith, and service

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Mildred and Richard Anderson, husband Raymond, brothers James, Samuel, Earl, sister Brenda and son-in-law Bobby Davis.

Barbara’s loving memories will be cherished by her twin children: LaVise Tamika McCray-Davis and Raymond Laval McCray , step-daughter Poinsetta Gourdine (Byron), brothers Michael and William Richard(Deborah) sisters-in-laws: Ruby Bellamy, and Rosa Shaw Boyd; grandchildren: Jordan, Cameron,  Byron Jr., Isaiah, Tiffany, 5 great-grands: Dustin, Miles, Byron III, Britton, Tristan, aunt Hattie Carter, goddaughter Vernice and a host of nieces and nephews, relatives ,  special friends, and church family.

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