Cheryl Yvette McCray

Cheryl Yvette McCray, age 61, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center, following a courageous battle with a long illness.

Born on August 24, 1963, in Metter, Georgia, Cheryl was the beloved daughter of Grady Alfred McCray Sr. and Evelyn Robinson McCray Hall. From an early age, Cheryl accepted Christ as her Savior and united with First Mt. Pisgah Primitive Baptist Church, where she served faithfully and joyfully until her health no longer allowed.

Cheryl was educated in the Candler County School System and was a proud graduate of the Metter High School Class of 1981. She continued her education at Savannah State College, always striving to learn and grow.

Throughout her life, Cheryl wore many hats-each one reflecting her passion, creativity, and love for people. She worked diligently as a pediatric assistant, brought joy and confidence to many through her work as a barber at the Donaldson-McCray Barber Shop. Her style, vision, and flair were unmatched.

A woman deeply rooted in her community, Cheryl was a proud member of New Star Light #44, Order of the Eastern Star, and a devoted daughter of the Phebi Floyd Temple (B.P.O.E.) in Statesboro, Georgia. Her generous spirit and warm heart left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered.

Cheryl will be remembered for her boundless creativity, her unwavering faith, and the deep love she extended to her family, friends, and even her cherished pets. Her smile lit up every room, and her laughter was a gift to all who knew her.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and memories that will be treasured forever by one daughter, Jennifer Marie (Solomon) Emerson; her parents, Grady Alfred (Frances) McCray Sr. and Evelyn McCray Hall, all of Metter, Georgia; seven grandsons: Alexander Henry of Griffin, Georgia, Solomon Ervin, Jabree Ervin, Justin Emerson, Jared Emerson, and Jackson Emerson, all of Ellenwood, Georgia; one brother, Grady Alfred McCray Jr. (Sonia) of Metter, Georgia; three sisters: Sonya Beal of Savannah, Georgia, Tonya Chapman (Charles) of Davenport, Florida, and Christa Ameen (Jamal) of Stone Mountain, Georgia; bosom buddy, Vanessa Peoples Walker; a special brother, Harold Jameson; two devoted companion pets, Jake (dog) and Kat Kat (cat); host of beloved nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.