Mary Dorothy McCray

Mary Dorothy McCray was born on February 27, 1940, in Memphis to the loving union of Thomas Henderson Kinchelow and Ann Edith Carruth Kinchelow. She attended Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee. Mary lived a life rooted in faith, family, education, justice, and service to her community.

On May 13, 2026, Mary was peacefully called home at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, service, and strength that will continue to live on through all who knew and loved her.

Mary united in marriage with the love of her life, Robert C. McCray, in New York City. Their union was one of enduring love, commitment, and partnership, spanning over 65 beautiful years. They were blessed with one beloved daughter, Gwendolyn Denise Kinchelow McCray Buchanan.

In 1966, Mary and Robert made their home in Saginaw, where they built a legacy of love, faith, activism, and community involvement that would impact generations to come. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother.

Mary leaves to cherish her memory her loving Husband Robert Charles McCray; her beautiful daughter, Gwendolyn (Michael) Buchanan; three grandchildren, Michael (Felicia), LaKisha (Raymond), and Daniel (Christina); ten great-grandchildren: Michael (Kaylee), KeAndre, Brandon (Hunter), Lauren, Seth (Alewa), Daniel “DJ,” Raymond III, Savannah, Zion, and Nova; and three great-great-grandchildren: Maya, Anthony, and Cade.

She also leaves behind two loving sisters, Jeanette and Rita Kinchelow; one brother, Thomas Kinchelow; daughter-in-law, Gwendolyn Kinchelow; four sisters-in-laws, Bobbie Hollis, Nora Hollis, Elaine Hollis, and Ida Mae Hill; bonus aunt, Roberta Hill; and her cherished best friends, Kathy Dunn, Barbara Jean Jenkins, Agnes Johnson, Sue Smith, and Vera Parks; two goddaughters, Anita Jackson and Sandra Byas; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever treasure her memory and legacy.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Thomas Henderson Kinchelow and Ann Edith Carruth Kinchelow; her grandparents, Willie Wesley Carruth and Cora Mae Young Carruth; and her brothers, Thomas (Dorothy) Kinchelow, Charles (Barbara) Kinchelow, and Kelly Kinchelow.

Mary dedicated much of her life to uplifting others through education, advocacy, and public service. She worked with juveniles and served faithfully with the Saginaw County Juvenile Court until her retirement. She was also an educator for both Bridgeport and Saginaw Public Schools, where she poured wisdom, encouragement, and compassion into the lives of countless students.

Mary was deeply committed to civil rights and social justice. She was actively involved with the NAACP, participated in the historic March on Washington, and supported the ongoing work of the National Action Network. Her life reflected a passion for equality, education, empowerment, and the advancement of African American communities.

A faithful servant of God, Mary was a dedicated member of Messiah Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as the former President of the Mission Board. She was also actively involved in educational school district meetings and community initiatives, always advocating for the betterment of children, families, and the community at large.

Mary McCray was deeply loved and adored by her family and all who knew her. Her wisdom, strength, compassion, grace, and unwavering dedication to others will forever remain in the hearts of those blessed to know her.

The family would like to express special thanks to the Residential Hospice Staff, and Ivan E. Phillips and Staff at Paradise Funeral Chapel.

Her legacy of faith, activism, education, and love will continue to inspire generations to come. “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23