Gloria Shelton McCrary

Gloria Claire (Shelton) McCrary, age 85, of Cookeville, TN passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025 at Signature Health Care in Algood, TN.
Gloria was born on July 11, 1939 to Robert Houston Shelton and Clara Mae (Jernigan) Shelton in Marshall County, TN. She graduated from Eagleville High School in 1957 and went on to receive her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Tennessee Knoxville in 1961. She then successfully earned a Master of Arts in Education: Administration and Supervision degree from Tennessee Technological University in 1983.
As committed as Gloria was to her own educational studies, she was equally as dedicated to supporting others in this realm. Gloria served as an elementary and middle school teacher in Macon County, TN for over 30 years until her retirement. Gloria certainly did not slow her pace thereafter. She spent the following 10 years working in retail at Kmart and also spent numerous years volunteering as a Hospital
Auxiliary Member at Cookeville Regional Medical Center.
Gloria enjoyed her life being active and social, such as with fellowship in the Red Hat Society. Most importantly however, she was a woman of unwavering faith and a devoted Christian. Prior to and while being a member of the Summerfield United Methodist Church Gloria served the Lord in many ways, one of which was through worship as a gifted pianist. Gloria was adventurous and always open to new
experiences. At the age of 80, she conveyed her desire to go to the Grand Canyon and let nothing slow her down during those travels. When she did take a slight pause, Gloria could be found completing crossword puzzles, playing various games with her family, or piddling around in a flower garden.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Clara Mae Shelton, as well as her siblings: Robert Shelton, Jr., Billy Shelton, Jack Shelton, Don Shelton, and Joe Shelton.
Gloria is survived by her beloved children: Robert (Kay) McCrary of Jamestown, TN, Chanda (Chuck) Hollingsworth of McMinnville, TN and Bryan (Carrie) McCrary of Cookeville, TN. She also leaves behind her cherished sisters Jane Puckett and Katie Giles as well as her sister-in-law Jo Ann Shelton. She will be immensely missed by her grandchildren: Chase Hollingsworth, Syvanna Maberry, Faith (Levi) McLeod, Colin McCrary, Tyler Hollingsworth, and Kyah McCrary.
The family will receive friends at the Crest Lawn Funeral Home, 800 West Jackson Street in Cookeville, from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel with interment to follow in the Garden of Faith at Crest Lawn Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Chase Hollingsworth, Tyler Hollingsworth, Cody Hattaway, Ryan Quillen and Landon Maxwell.
Online condolences may be made to the family at crestlawnmemorial.com