Etha Mae Cray, affectionately known as “Mo,” was born to the late Ezra and Marybell Cray on January 29, 1932. The Lord in his infinite wisdom called her home on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Appling County Healthcare System.
Growing up, Etha attended the Rachel Missionary Baptist Church in Baxley, GA. She finished high school at the age of 16 and furthered her education at Georgia Baptist College in Macon, Ga. She was employed as a private companion for Mr. and Mrs. Freck, the owners of Delaware Cadillac of Wilmington, Delaware. Etha also worked as a cook for Captain Joe’s in Baxley, GA. Her hobbies included cooking, baking, and reading, especially the newspaper.
Etha was preceded in death by her parent, Ezra and Marybell Cray; daughter Linda Cray; sone James S. Cray; brothers Edward Sonny Cray and Donnell Cray; sister-in-law, Mabel Lee Cray; brother-in-law, Lonnie Arline; son-in-law, Gentle Grady and Prince Lee.
Etha Leaves to cherish her memories with her four daughters, Phyllis Grady of Wilmington, DE, Carol Lee of Huston TX, Sandra Grady of Middletown DE, and LaNeshia Cray of Baxley, GA; one sone Anthony Jacobs of Baxley, GA; granddaughters who were her personal caregivers: Denise Cray and Stephanie Lewis, both of Baxley, GA; one sister, Evelena Arline of Miami FL; eleven grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
Pastor Kendall Bennamon presided over the servie on Saturday, March 25, 2023. Musical selection for the service were selected by the Rachel Missionary Baptist Church Chior, with Elder Bryan Holmes having a solo.
Active Pallbearers for the service were LaNard Arline, Marty Donnell Cray, Jr., Roderick Arline, Bryant Carter, Daryl Cray, and Charles Carter II.
The service was entrusted to C.M. Brown Funeral Home.