Malvenia McCray

Malvenia Riley Gaymon McCray, 49, wife of Deacon Willie McCray, died Dec. 18, 2006, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center, Sumter.

Born Jan. 25, 1957, in the Rimini section of Clarendon County, she was a daughter of Louis Riley and the late Marie Junious Riley. She graduated from Scott’s Branch High School and received her associate’s degree in nursing from Sumter Area Technical College. She accepted Christ as her Savior and was a lifelong member of Antioch United Methodist Episcopal Church. She served as president of the usher board, gospel and youth choirs, and on the pulpit aide. She also attended Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, where she served as the treasurer of the usher board and on the deaconess.

Survivors besides her husband, Deacon Willie McCray of the home, include her father, Louis Riley of Rimini; her mother-in-law, Ida Mae McCray of Alcolu; three sons, Warkeelia A. and Marquis Gaymon, both of the home, and Lamar Gaymon of Norfolk, Va.; two stepsons, Willie (Sheryl) McCray and Willie (Tasha) Green, both of Sumter; two stepdaughters, Che-Nite (Calvin) Jackson of the home and Michelle (Darrell) Moore of Sumter; three sisters, Mary Lee (Samuel) Nelson, Luetina (Louis) Green and Tina Marie Riley, all of Pinewood; and one brother, Jacob (Ruth Ann) Riley of Pinewood.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2006, at Antioch United Methodist Episcopal Church in Rimini, with the Rev. Jonathan Smith, pastor, officiating, assisting the Rev. Leroy James and the Rev. Dennis Brock.

Burial was in Antioch Memorial Gardens.

Samuels Funeral Home LLC of Manning was in charge of arrangements.