Pearl McCray

Pearl Crete (Armstrong) McCray, 96, of McDowell, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Brookdale of Staunton.

She was born June 1, 1922, in Head Waters, a daughter of the late Ernest Blair and Hester Grace (Simmons) Armstrong.

Pearl was a member of the McDowell Presbyterian Church, where she had served as an elder and was presented an honorary lifetime membership of the Presbyterian Women Presbyterian Church in 1990. She fed and cared for many children for 34 years as the cook at Highland Primary School, retiring in 1985. She was a member of the McDowell Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Pearl lived her life to care for others. She welcomed many into her home where you never left hungry. She enjoyed her vegetable garden and preserving her garden’s bounty. She also enjoyed crocheting, making beautiful doilies and angel and snowflake ornaments.

In addition to her parents, Pearl was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Leo Marsh McCray on June 30, 2003; son, Bobby McCray; son-in-law, James Bird; brothers, Wayne, Waldo, Stover, Gene and Frankie; and sisters Thelma Jane and Audrey.

She is survived by her daughter, Frances Bird, of Cypress, Texas; daughter-in-law, Carolyn McCray of McDowell; two grandchildren, Jamie Bird-Jeter and husband, Gary of Caldwell, Texas and Michael Blair McCray and wife, Tracey, of McDowell; brother, Charlie Armstrong of Head Waters; two great-grandchildren, Candace Jeter of Bryan, Texas and Nathan Jeter of Friendswood, Texas; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 26, 2018 at Obaugh Funeral Home with the Revs. Beth Pyles and Andre Crummett officiating. A private committal service will be held at a later date.

Family will receive friends, 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2018 at the funeral home.

Active pallbearers will be Steve, Michael Lynn, Bob and Mark Ralston, as well as, Jimmy and Gary Armstrong.

Memorial contributions may be made in Pearl’s memory to Head Waters Cemetery, c/o Elmo Varner, 14952 Highland Turnpike, Head Waters, Va. 24442; McDowell Presbyterian Church, c/o Nancy Witschey, P.O. Box 66, McDowell, Va. 24458; or McDowell Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Delbert Rexrode, 527 Windrush Lane, Doe Hill, Va. 24433.

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