Mary Raynes DeCroes

The Good Lord Almighty has called Mary Raynes DeCroes to his heavenly domain on July 1, 2018. Mary, or “Gerry”, as she was called by all her family members and friends, died from cancer. She tried, with all her heart, to beat it.

Gerry was born on October 17, 1937, in her hometown of Grottoes, Virginia. She was one of 11 siblings from her parents, Rueben Elzie Raynes and Virginia Pearl Raynes. She spent the first 18 years of her life on a farm in Grottoes. She graduated from Montevideo High School and began employment with the CIA.

During a 6-month training class she met her future husband, Samuel Leon DeCroes. They were married on November 9th, 1957 at the St. Francis De Sales Church. Thus began a 22-year adventure of serving their country, together, in Greece, Iran, the Philippines, Norway, and Laos.

Their loving union blessed them with four wonderful children, Donna DeCroes, Daniel DeCroes (and wife, Karen), Richard (Ricky) DeCroes, and Virginia Crooke (and husband, Richard Crooke). All four children were privileged to visit many wonderful countries throughout the years.

Although Gerry spent most of her married life raising their four children, she was employed on several jobs, including as an accountant for the Montgomery Country Club in Maryland and as a librarian in Williamsburg, Virginia.

She was a member of the Methodist Church and a regular Sunday worshipper. She is survived by her siblings, Janet Mitchell, Barbara Begoon, Charlotte Clem, and Ottie Kyger. Before Gerry’s passing, she carried on the torch for her other siblings, Junior Raynes, Mack Raynes, Josephine Raynes, Betty Lulabell Myers, Hollis Raynes, and Arnold “Buck” Raynes.

She had six grandchildren, Brittany DeCroes Hornby (and husband, Mark), Courtney DeCroes, Jordyn DeCroes, Kyle Crooke, Emily Crooke, and Ben Crooke. She also had two great-grandchildren, Leigh Hornby and Hunter Lee.

Gerry taught us to work hard and always give our best effort. She always cared for others, which brought out the best in us. With love and great memories, we say goodbye and we will meet again.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Kyger Funeral Home in Harrisonburg.  Entombment will follow at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens.