In the early morning hours of August 24, 2024, Flora Sublinda McCray said “I fought a good fight” and answered the Master’s call peacefully at home surrounded by family.
Flora, affectionately known as “Tootie,” was born April 12,1951, the eldest of twelve children born to the late Pernell and Roxie McCray. Flora was also preceded in death by her brothers, James McCray Sr. and Ronnie McCray; sister-in-law Vanessa McCray; and brother-in-law Archie Nelson.
Flora was raised in a God-fearing home filled with love and respect. Family gatherings and music was a large part of their lives. At an early age, she was baptized and became a member of Mt. Ararat Baptist Church. She was educated in the Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools where she graduated from James Blair High School. She worked as a server for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation; retiring after thirty-five years of dedicated service, she retired as a server from Colonial Williamsburg. She also worked at the Colonial Restaurant for thirty years. Her work ethic and warm smile made her a favorite among co-workers and customers.
Tootie was a sweet, kind, humble, and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many. Her kind and gentle spirit would give you the shirt off her back. She was the neighborhood mother who helped raise children in her community as her own. Tootie was an exceptional cook, known for her beef and fried chicken. Her favorite pastimes wer watching her favorite football team the Philadelphia Eagles and watching her children and grandchildren play sports.
Flora’s memory will be forever cherished and kept alive by her children, Veronica Johnson (James Sr.) and Kimberly McCray (Eric), both of Williamsburg, VA, and Damon Hill (April) of Chicago IL; grandchildren, Dajuan McCray, Aaron Hill, Jamiyah Johnson, James Johnson Jr., Alexander Hill, Tyler Fore, Uriah Whittle, and Santana Whittle; great-grandchildren, Adrianna McCray and Greyson McCray; brothers, Lionel McCray, Woodrow McCray, and Phillip McCray (April); sisters, Cindy Holloway, Queen Butcher (Sam), Tammie Quarrels (Tony), Phyllis Nelson, Denise McCray, and Cassandra Washington: special friends, Wayne Johnson and Lucille Coleman (who was like a sister); and hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A funeral service to celebrate Tootie’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Bethel Restoration Center. Interment to follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Ms. McCray may be viewed from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday in the funeral home.
