Marjorie McCray

Marjorie McCray, age 90, died November 23, 2025.
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel.(901)379-0861.
Marjorie Clinkscale McCray was born to loving parents, the late Mr. Frank E. Clinkscale, Sr. and Ludie McFarlin Clinkscale on May 23, 1935 in Center Ridge, Arkansas. She was reared in a family deeply rooted by faith and enriched with love.
At an early age, her family moved to Little Rock, and she joined Saint Peter's Rock Baptist Church. She graduated from Dunbar High School and obtained her Bachelors of Science degree in 1956 from Agricultural, Mechanical, and Normal College (University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) with a major in Home Economics and a minor in Education. She was a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.
Following graduation, Marjorie was united in marriage to Dr. Nathaniel R. McCray, Jr. in 1957. To this blessed union, three children were born: Vida, Nathaniel Robert III, and Denise. Marjorie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
She taught Home Economics at the University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and she was a substitute teacher with the local elementary schools. She devoted her later years to being at home, lovingly rearing her children.
Marjorie McCray was the foundation of the McCray household. Her home was her life's masterpiece. Whatever she put her hands to, she elevated it, doing it with a mastery and grace unmatched by anyone. She made her family's clothes using the finest fabrics and the latest Vogue patterns. She cooked every meal with fresh ingredients from her garden, sometimes transporting the family around the world through the experience of various cuisines. She filled her home with plants. Every room had at least 4 different species of plants, all carefully pruned and nurtured, each with their own schedule. Every room in her house was intentionally designed with color, fabrics, lighting, and even scents. Her home was a sanctuary not just for her children and grandchildren, but the entire Mcfarlin- McFarland family. In her home, everyone felt seen, held, and loved without condition. Within the walls of her home, children were raised, traditions were born, and truths were taught.
A Renaissance woman of extraordinary strength and quiet wisdom, Marjorie McCray built her legacy through everyday acts of love that shaped generations. She equipped her children and grandchildren with necessary skills to handle whatever life may place before them. She instilled the love for reading, often having scheduled library days where she herself would read a book from cover to cover in a matter of hours. She taught everyone how to cook, clean, dress appropriately, walk with perfect posture, and even care for agriculture. Everything she nourished flourished. She was our most important person - our root, our shelter, our teacher, our blessing.
Mrs. McCray departed this life on Sunday, November 23, 2025. Marjorie's legacy of love will live on in the hearts of her devoted daughter, Denise McCray of Memphis, TN, daughter and son, Vida McCray-Smith and Nathaniel McCray III (Melisa) both of Atlanta, GA. Her beloved grandchildren, Clinton Smith Sr., Nathaniel McCray IV(Carmen), Tiffani Smith-Johnson and Quince Morgan McCray all of Atlanta, GA. Her great grandchildren, Sherise Smith, Nathaniel McCray V, Calyce Smith, Christopher McCray, Justice Johnson, Benjamin McCray and Clinton Smith Jr. all of Atlanta, GA, Her sister, Brenda Tucker (Lloyd) of Port St Lucie, FL and brother, Frank Clinkscale Jr. (Darnetta) of St Louis, MO., and her niece Tara Grimes (Kelvin) of Mansfield, TX.
We are her legacy, her harvest, her testimony.