Carolyn L. McRae

Carolyn London Fann entered this world on Thursday, September 26, 1946, in Daytona Beach, Florida. She was a devoted daughter to James Henry Fann and Mary Madeline Austin Fann. Anyone who knew her understood how deeply she loved and honored her parents. Carolyn was educated in the public schools of Daytona Beach, Florida, and later moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Simon Gratz High School. She went on to study evangelism teaching at Manna Bible Institute, earned a Real Estate certificate from Community College of Philadelphia, and became a licensed practical nurse after graduating from the Warren School of Nursing in New Jersey. Throughout her life, she earned several certifications in various programs and discovered early on that she loved nursing and helping others. Carolyn began employment at Huntingdon Developmental Center in Clinton, New Jersey, where she worked for 20 years as a nurse, caring for mentally and physically disabled persons. Later, in the Lehigh Valley area-where she resided after her nursing career expanded-Carolyn actively served on various committees, including the Easton Zoning and Hearing Board for over ten years. She received awards and commendations for her excellent service from religious and civic organizations. She also served as a mentor to girls at the Children's Home in Easton. Carolyn retired in 2005. She married the love of her life, Clyde R. McRae, Sr., on May 15, 1966. He was the man of her dreams, and to this union five children were born. In 2009, Carolyn described them in her own words, each unique in their own way: Mary Denise – "like me in so many ways." Clyde – "he called me almost every day." Carolyn – "my namesake, reminded me of my mother." James (Pharaoh) – "loved me." Fred – "my last born, the little businessman and ministry helper." Her unique bond with each of them was evident. Being their mother was a priority and a role she treasured. Carolyn embraced being a grandmother and valued every moment with all her "grands." In 1965, the Lord called Clyde R. McRae, Sr. to start a ministry. The first church was named Mount Zion Temple COGIC in Philadelphia, PA. Carolyn was ready to help and support her husband in this new ministry. He pastored Mount Zion for over ten years. In 1975, Rev. McRae started Open Bible Evangelical COGIC in Easton, PA. Carolyn served as First Lady; however, her husband affectionately called her the "Only Lady." She took on many roles as the pastor's wife: Sunday School Teacher, Purity Class Teacher, Director of the Soup Kitchen, Women's Department President, and Administrator of the Church. Carolyn and Clyde worked closely in ministry. Whatever he did, Carolyn was his best supporter, coach, director, and cheerleader. Upon the passing of Bishop McRae, Sr., their son Fred McRae assumed the pastorate. In 2015, Mother McRae was installed as the pastor of Open Bible Evangelical COGIC by Bishop Ernest C. Morris, Sr., of the Koinonia of Pennsylvania Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. She faced many challenges, yet faithfully balanced her roles as pastor and mother. Pastor Carolyn McRae would often say, "With the help of God." Of her husband, she said, "I love him very much, and death could not steal that love." Carolyn received her Evangelist license in 1975 under the late Presiding Bishop J.O. Patterson, the late Presiding Bishop L.H. Ford, and Mother Mattie McGlothen, National Supervisor. She served in the Keystone District as District Missionary of the Allegheny District and also served the C.H. Mason District. During this time, she served as the Women's Department Marshal, Program Committee Member, Executive Board Member, and Hospitality Chairlady. In these districts, she was known as a woman of prayer and comfort. Carolyn was ordained in 2009 into the Ecclesiastical Priesthood. She made a profound impact on many lives with her caring and loving words of encouragement and wisdom. Mother McRae was steadfast in her call as an evangelist, sharing God's word and wisdom throughout the Tri-State area. One of her favorite times of ministry was at the Sister-to-Sister ministry. For years, those who attended hung on every word that came from her lips in the Central District of the PA Keystone Jurisdiction. She later became a faithful member of Mt. Airy COGIC in 2010, along with her namesake, Carolyn. As usual, she shared her gifts and talents with this congregation. She served on the Ordination Board of the PA Ecclesiastical Koinonia Jurisdiction as an instructor. One of her major lessons was Protocol and Saintly Decorum. Her well-known saying was, "If you are serving in the ministry, you need to know protocol." She also served with Mother Emily Myrick, Jurisdictional Supervisor. Serving the Lord and others was a part of her daily life. She was a classy woman with an impeccable sense of style and an excellent example of a woman of God for this day and time. It is now time for Carolyn to take her earthly rest. She lived so that she might live again. Carolyn's legacy will be carried on in the hearts of her children: Mary Denise Pound, Bishop Clyde R. McRae Jr., Carolyn V. McRae, James McRae (deceased), and Fred Bruce McRae. Her grandchildren: Robert Fann, Terrance McRae, Tiffany McRae, Titianna Pound, Cheyanne McRae, Brandon McRae, Aisha McCafferty, Brian McRae, Brashon McRae, Isaiah Pound, Ebony McRae, Leila McRae, and Tennille Clay; 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Sisters-in-law: Rosetta McRae and Doris McRae; Sisters: Ida Mae Brisco (deceased) and Lavern Jones (deceased); Close sister-friends: Janet Butler, Mother Theresa Ward, Mother Juanita Davis, and Mother Vivian Kent; God-sister: Ruthie Williams; Cousin: Estelle Sankey; Daughters in Zion: Vera Primus, Diana Kenner, and Fern Hamilton; And a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Now, it's "Howdy Howdy," but never goodbye. 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