McCRAY - Harriette Elaine McCray, 62, passed Saturday, November 13, 2021. Arrangement Entrusted to Harris Mortuary, 2261 Edison Avenue, Jacksonville, Florida 32204. (904) 598-9808

The Life of Harriette Elaine McCray

Sunrise August 31, 1959 – Sunset November 13, 2021

Harriette was born in Jacksonville, Florida on August 31, 1959. The daughter of Charles Louis McCray, Sr. and the late Priscilla Ernestine Watson McCray-Drayton. She was the beloved third eldest of eight siblings. Harriette grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey where she attended George Washington Elementary School #1, Cleveland Middle School and graduated from Battin High School, Class of 1977. Harriette gave her life to Christ early and was a dedicated member of Holy Temple C.O.G.I.C in Elizabeth, New Jersey where she served in the choir and was a part of the Helping Hands Auxiliary until 1997 when she moved to Jacksonville, Florida. Once in Jacksonville, she joined Faust Temple C.O.G.I.C and served in the choir. Harriette later attended Cathedral of Faith, C.O.G.I.C, where she has been a member since 2008, and enjoyed fellowship. Other than spending time with her family and friends, Harriette enjoyed attending church, reading her bible, traveling, painting, puzzle-solving, and shopping. She loved the beach and loved walking along the shores. She was bright and unafraid to be herself. Harriette loved to laugh. She was protective of her loved ones, and many loved her. When encouragement was sought, she would always say, "just pray about it; that's what I do!" She stood boldly in her unwavering faith in Christ and would often display that through her daily devotion, studying and journaling of biblical scriptures.

Harriette found great joy in helping others. During her early years, she spent most of her time volunteering, as a Candy-Striper, at Elizabeth General Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital with her sisters. After graduation, Harriette decided to continue her love of service for others and found the perfect place to do so. She worked for The Plaza Nursing Home, in Elizabeth, New Jersey for 11 years, where she took on the responsibility of managing the dietary department. Harriette triumphed over being struck by a vehicle in a hit-and-run. While undergoing years of recovery and rehabilitation she never let her recovery get in the way of her passion for helping others. During this time, she continued to assist athletes participating in the special Olympics and became certified in specialized services for disabled individuals. Harriette worked for great organizations, including The Arc of the United States and The Florida Association for Deaf and Blind. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from Everest University and continued with her passion as an Educator for students with disabilities in the Duval County Public School District.

Harriette lives on through her family. She is survived by her father, Charles McCray Sr. of Palm Coast, Florida; five sisters: Venita McCray-Coley of Irvington, New Jersey; Charlesetta McCray-Johnson of Alpharetta, Georgia; Sherry (Scott) Muse of Elizabeth, New Jersey; Lynette McCray-Caldwell of Covington, Georgia; Lakeisha McCray Drayton-Dance of Jacksonville, Florida; two brothers: Prince McCray of Newark, New Jersey; Laurence McCray of Union, New Jersey; God-daughters: Citierra (Trevaris) Long of Eglin AFB, Florida; Nisha Monroe of Newark, New Jersey; nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends, who loved Harriette.