Mrs. Phyllis Johnson McCray

Our deepest sympathy is extended to the family of Mrs. Phyllis Johnson McCray, 62, a resident of 1220 Yancey Street, Roanoke, Alabama who passed from this life on Saturday morning, July 22, 2017.

Mrs. McCray will be available for viewing on Friday, July 28, 2017, from 1:00 pm until 6:00 pm here at the funeral home.

The Homegoing Service will be observed on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 2:00 pm from the First Baptist Church, 549 Riley Street, Roanoke, Alabama. Reverend Gilbert E. Staples, Pastor will serve as Eulogist.

Burial will follow in the Skyview Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Welch, Chambers County Alabama.

Pall Bearers are to be announced.

Serving as flower attendants will be friends of the family.


Phyllis Johnson was born in Roanoke, Randolph County, Alabama, on August 10, 1954 to the parentage of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Wesly and Melvinnie (Ware) Johnson.

She grew up in the historic East Roanoke district, attending grade school at the Randolph County Training School. At an early age, she joined First Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until her home going.

On September 9, 1972, Phillis married the love of her life, Willie Joe "Joe Baby" McCray, at the Randolph County Courthouse in Wedowee. Together the couple parented four children... one daughter and three sons. They remained faithfully wed for 45 years. As a young woman, Phyllis entered the workforce, holding down many positions, including CNA at Rosser's Nursing Home, housekeeper at the Nursing Home, and in the local Motel Industry; Goldkist Poultry, Franklin Aluminum, and many other jobs. She was astute about working and taking care of her family.

"That's why I pay my phone bill -- so I can talk to whoever I want to..." she would often say. One of her greatest joys in life was talking; on the phone with friends and family-- just whoever she wanted to talk to. She never meant a stranger; and anytime she wasn't talking a lot, you knew Phyllis wasn't feeling well. Today, we believe that she would most want to be remembered for being an unselfish, and loving person, who would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, John Wesley; her mother Melvinnie; brothers: Perry Ware, Derreck Johnson and Lorenzo White; and finally a sister, Mary Frances Tucker. Her unexpected departure from us was swift, and without incident or struggle. She swiftly but peacefully transitioned from this life on Saturday morning, July 22, 2017. She was at her home 1220 Yancey Street in Roanoke, Alabama.

Celebrating her life, mouring her departure, and cherishing many loving memories are: her beloved husband of 45 years, Willie Joe McCray of Roanoke; their only daughter, Felicia Johnson of Roanoke; three (3) sons: Willie Joe McCray, Jr., and Keith McCray (Salivia Lewis) both of Roanoke, Alabama; and Calmease McCray (Shanda) of Villa Rica, Georgia; two (2) brothers: Tracy Johnson (Linda) of Franklin, Georgia, and Kenneth Johnson of Roanoke, Alabama; and two (2) sisters: Johnnie Mae McCory (Curtis) of Smith Station, Alabama, and Debbie Johnson (Reginald McClendon) of Roanoke, Alabama; ten (10) grandchildren: April, Tamale, Gavin, Wantika, Calmease, Jr., Yasmin, Darrion, Jayden, Kemarion, and Ariana; and five (5) great grandchildren: Tanyiah, Quatavious, Keasia, Emarius, and Cajhmire; finally but not least, her special friends, Diane Sims, and Reverend Bobby Robinson; her beloved church family at First Baptist Church and a great host of loving relatives, kindred and friends.

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