Dr. Mary Giddens Washington McCray, entered into eternal rest Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, at her home in South Chesterfield, Va. Mary was born Jan. 13, 1930, in Jamesville, to Severn and Elnora Giddens.
Her life was blessed with family and students. She spent her career dedicated to education, having taught in many institutions over her 43-year career. After 13 years of teaching in the public schools, she accepted a position at Virginia State University, where she served as assistant professor of home economics. She later taught at Howard University, before returning to VSU. She received many accolades, awards, and certificates for outstanding service from, among many: Richmond Public Schools, Howard University’s Graduate School, and Phi Delta Kappa – Virginia State University.
Dr. McCray was a dedicated and faithful member of Zion Baptist Church, Petersburg, Va., where she served until her health began to fail.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 17 years, Ananias C. Washington; and her siblings, Severn, Ernest, Floyd, Jeroline, Nelson, and Frank.
Left to cherish her memory are two daughters, Annise W. Muschette (Wilbert) and Gilda W. Warren (James); goddaughters, Mildred Tucker, Phylis Adams, Valerie B. Harris, Wanda Hill, Stephanie McNeil, Lisa Nicholas, and Gale Watkins; and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family.
Services were held Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, at the Chapel of J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, in Petersburg, Va. Interment followed at City Point National Cemetery.
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