Carol Ann (Stevens) Cray

Carol Ann (Stevens) Cray, 84, of Holderness, NH died peacefully at home on January 12, 2024 surrounded by family.

Carol was born on December 20, 1939 in Concord, NH to Roland and Edith Stevens. She grew up in Plymouth, NH and after graduating high school she graduated from National College in Kansas City, Missouri.

Carol held many different jobs in her 84 years. From working as a camp counselor and youth pastor, as a bookkeeper at a local grocery store and for her husband’s carpentry business, a substitute teacher throughout the schools in SAU 48, a realtor, she worked in a florist shop and finally she became a local pastor, but her most favorite job was being a wife, mom and nana.  

Carol was actively involved with her church community and youth throughout her whole life. She ended her working career as a local pastor in the United Methodist Church in Ashland, NH. 

Carol loved reading, teaching in general but especially the Bible, gardening, flowers, cooking and baking, but most of all she loved God and people. She could always extend a meal to include more people around the table. She shared her life, her love and whatever she had with everyone she could. She had a quick smile and an encouraging word for everyone. 

She was married for 59 years before he husband Richard H. Cray died in April 2021. She is also predeceased by her parents Roland and Edith (Yankowski) Stevens. 

She is survived by her daughter Melanie (Cray) Blake and husband Peter of New Hampton, NH, son Marc Cray and wife Darlene of Sanbornton, NH, grandchildren; Audrey Blake, Travis Blake and wife Lauren, Austin Blake and wife Abby and Ethan Cray, sister Donna McCormack of Plymouth, brothers Ronald Stevens and wife Trudy of CA, Bert Stevens and wife Dayle of FL and many beloved nieces and nephews.  

A graveside service is being planned for May 15th at 10:30am at the Riverside Cemetery on Fairgrounds Rd. Plymouth, NH with a reception to follow. 

In lieu of flowers (which she loved), donations can be made to the Ashland United Methodist Church or to your favorite charity in her name.