Jan McCray's Obituary
Barbara “Jan” McCray, 85, ran into the arms of Jesus on October 4, 2021 at Suncoast Hospice Care Center in Pinellas Park, Florida.
Jan was born on October 17, 1935 in Brewton, Alabama to Robert and Melissa McPhaul. She was a missionary, evangelist, bible teacher, author, and beloved wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. But mostly, Jan was a servant of Jesus Christ whom she loved and served with her whole heart preaching the gospel to people throughout the US and abroad. She had a BA degree in Education, a Master of Arts degree in Judaic Studies, and a PhD in Biblical Studies. She served the Maasai tribe in Kenya for 30 years, giving aid to widows, orphans, and students. Her ministry also built an orphanage there called The House of Love, for abandoned and orphaned Maasai girls. Over 30 girls reside there today. Her ministry, Jan McCray Ministries, will go on and will be run by her daughters. As an author, she wrote three books including The Love Every Woman Needs, How to Delight the Heart of God, and Your Redemptive Healing. But with all these accolades, Jan was a humble servant who always said, “Not me, but God!”
Jan was a devoted wife to David, whom she called “a man of faith and strength and forgiveness.” His love and encouragement made all the difference in her life. Jan had three children and seven grandchildren. But many people considered her their spiritual mother.
Jan was predeceased by her father, Robert McPhaul, mother, Melissa Zepernick McPhaul, sisters: Helen Smith, Hazel Little, Ercie Protinsky, Jacqueline Payne, and Rachel McPhaul. Jan is survived by her husband David W. McCray, married 65 years, and one brother Robert Brown McPhaul and his wife Doris McPhaul. She is also survived by her three children: Jana Melissa Warrington, Shannon Rae Bernard married to Bruce Bernard, and Andrew David McCray married to Melanie McCray. She was “Ma” to her seven grandchildren: Tyson Lucas, Amber McCray, Emma Warrington, Daniel Bernard, Emily Bernard, Anna Sloyer married to Shadoe Sloyer, and Lydia Warrington.
Her celebration of life service will be held on October 23rd at 11 a.m. at Faith Assembly of God in Saint Petersburg, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jan McCray Ministries.
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