Deborah McCray

Life Reflections Deborah Patricia Bland McCray, of Varina, Virginia was born on December 4, 1952, in Richmond, Virginia. She celebrated her heavenly birthday on Sunday, June 29, 2025, peacefully passing away at home following a prolonged illness. She gracefully endured with a defined spirit of determination. Deborah, affectionately known as “Dee”, was the second eldest of three children born to Eleanor Ruth Burke Bland and Willie Archer Bland. Dee attended the Richmond Public School system and was the proud graduate of Maggie L. Walker High School, the Mighty Green Dragons, where she enjoyed cheerleading, drama/theatre club, chorus, and a vigorous team spirit. Dee accepted Christ as her personal savior at an early age at Moore Street Baptist Church, under the pastoral leadership of the Rev. Dr. Gordon Hancock. Continuing her spiritual growth, Dee was a faithful member of Richmond Christian Center where she joyfully ministered in song with the Praise Team and One Voice. Preceding her illness, Dee was an active member of Mountain of Blessings/City Church in East Henrico, Virginia under the leadership of Pastor Nicole Bradley, where she participated in the Praise Team ministry. Dee truly loved the Lord and she believed that “whoever believes in Him, shall have everlasting life”. Dee had a long love and dedication for music ministry. She initially joined a group called The Gospel 6, under the leadership of her cousin, Larry Bland. Following that, she continued to share her musical talents by performing with Larry Bland and the Volunteer Choir. Dee started her career with C&P Telephone Company, which later became Bell Atlantic and is now known as Verizon. Dee retired after 30 years of dedicated service. While working at the phone company, she met the love of her life, James McCray, Jr., and they wed on August 1, 1998. Through that union, they nurtured a blended family of two daughters and one son. She was blessed with her husband James, who for 26 years was fully dedicated to her. Dee experienced a full life. She loved modeling, singing, traveling, aerobics, zumba, casual walks and most importantly spending time with friends and family. She and James embraced healthy living. Fitness was an active part of their life. Although Dee was small in stature, she loved a three-course meal. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Eleanor Ruth Burke Bland and Willie Archer Bland. She is survived by her loving and dedicated husband, James McCray, Jr.; daughter, Yvette Bland Vick; one step-daughter, Jamika McCray; one step-son, Eric McCray; two sisters, Constance Bland Alexander and Darlene Samantha Bland; two sisters-in-law, Beulah Harley and Florence Gaddis; eight grandchildren and one great-grandson; one God-daughter, Monique Washington-Jones; lifelong childhood friend, Marva Jones Williams; and a host of cherished nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family, church family and dear friends.

Tributes

Deborah McCray

December 4, 1952 - June 29, 2025