Charlotte Darlene (Simmons) McCray

Charlotte Darlene (Simmons) McCray, 86, of Crozet and formerly of Doe Hill, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at English Meadows Crozet Campus Assisted Living.

She was born in Doe Hill on June 2, 1939, a daughter of the late William Albert and Lydia Frances (Crummett) Simmons.

A Christian, Charlotte was raised, baptized, and held a life-long membership at the former Doe Hill United Methodist Church. She also attended Destiny Family Center and Staunton Seventh Day Adventist Church. She was a charter member of the McDowell VFD Ladies Auxiliary, and regularly attended functions at the former Staunton Moose Lodge.

In addition to her retirement from Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton District Headquarters, she had previously worked as a cook at Stonewall Elementary School in McDowell, Aileen, and as a landscaper at Harbor Point Condominiums in Virginia Beach.

One who enjoyed the outdoors, Charlotte could often be found in her garden, working in her flower beds, or riding as a passenger on motorcycle trips. Additionally, she loved dancing, singing, and taking care of her pets. She will be also remembered for her good humor and quick wit. Above all, as a mother, she will lovingly be remembered as being patient, faithful and loving toward her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Clarence William Malcolm Jr. in 1983 and Charlie Major McCray in 2003; grandson, Trenton Varner; great-granddaughter, Charlotte Grey Varner; and siblings, William Ray Simmons, Gary Gene Simmons, Joe Arch Simmons, Charles “Darrell” Simmons, Edward R. “Jake” Simmons, Dorothy Louise S. Hutchens, Eula Catherine S. Armstrong, Elizabeth Irene S. Simmons, Myrtle Virginia S. Simmons, Leoda Frances S. Green and Carolyn Elaine S. Pullin.

She is survived by two daughters, Jaunda Holsinger and husband, Terry of Dayton and Trenda Varner and husband, Steve of Head Waters; two sons, Gallan Malcolm and friend, Joann of Monterey and Victor Malcolm and wife, Tammi of Sanford, NC; brother, Larry Dean Simmons of Churchville; grandchildren, Joshua Simmons, Brandon Malcolm, Brian Malcolm, Kayla S. Armstrong, Isaac Varner and Kendal Malcolm; great-grandchildren, Alyssa Simmons, Ayden Malcolm, Conner Simmons, Blakelyn Armstrong, Braelyn and Bryson Malcolm; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, including a very special niece, B.J. Simmons.

A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m., Friday, March 20, 2026 at Obaugh Funeral Home, McDowell with pastor Chuck Balsamo officiating. Burial will follow in Head Waters Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Terry Holsinger, Steve Varner, Joshua Simmons, Brandon and Brian Malcolm, Isaac Varner, Gary Simmons and William McCray.

Honorary pallbearers will be friends in attendance.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Head Waters Cemetery, c/o Elmo Varner, 14592 Highland Turnpike, Head Waters, Va. 24442; or McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, Va. 24433.