Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Karen Teresa Jones McCray

10/26/1963 - 4/28/2025

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Obituary For Mrs. Karen Teresa Jones McCray

Mrs. Karen Teresa Jones McCray, 61, of Beckley, WV passed Monday, April 28, 2025.

Karen was born October 26, 1963 in Beckley, WV to the late Loraine and Juanita Jones.

Karen was the youngest of five, earmarking her for “special treatment and great expectations”. Karen remained truly devoted to her family throughout her lifetime. She attended school in Raleigh County, starting at Piney Oaks Elementary, then on to Stratton Junior High and graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School. She played volleyball during her years in school and unofficially coached aspiring volleyball players.

Karen continued on her life’s journey; meeting, falling in love with, and married “Lou” McCray, their bond was instant and they remained faithful and devoted to each other for over 34 years. Together they built a loving, caring, supportive, and faithful marriage that is worthy of “couples goals.

Karen was very loving, outgoing, and friendly. She was a person that others could depend on in both good times and bad. She spoiled all the children in the family, and was always willing to support them in any way she could. Second to her “helping” nature was her “cooking” ability. She prepared most, if not all, the family cookouts, holiday meals, and special celebration meals.

Karen was a devoted employee, working as a van driver for the Raleigh County Commission on Aging for more than 15 years. She cared deeply for the seniors and was a co-worker that spread smiles and friendliness each day. Karen enjoyed watching sports with her husband and hosting parties. She liked talking on the phone, but if you called her during her Bible study time, you would not get an answer, she would call you back though. Karen praised God and relied on her faith in God as the guiding force in her life.

Karen, the thing about her that is remarkable, is that even as her physical health started to decline, she remained steadfast in her faith in God and she did not complain, but rather “pressed on” until the end of this life’s journey. Certainly, the Lord shined his light on Karen. To know Karen, was to love Karen. We will keep our love for Karen alive by supporting one another in the days ahead.

Karen, in addition to her parents, was preceded in death by her brothers, Loraine Jones Jr and Charles Jones and sister, Carolyn Moore.

Karen leaves to cherish precious memories her husband, James Lou McCray; brother, Brian (Juanima) Jones of Beckley, WV; nephews, Charles Moore Jr., Derrick Herring, Bryant “KJ” Jones and Braxton Swafford, both Beckley, WV; nieces, Sybil Rhodes of Roanoke, VA and Alisha Braswel (James) of TN; great-nephews: La’Anthony Gates of Roanoke, VA and Giovanni Stewart of Columbus, OH; great-nieces, Teniah Gates of Roanoke, VA and Nadia Stewart of TX; sisters-in-law; Gladys Stokes and Michelle McCray of Bronx, NY, Brenda Nixon, Jacksonville, FL; close cousins, Debra Borders, Charlene Wheatley Goodwin (Marvin Goodwin) of Seabrook, SC, Dinitra Jones of Dayton, OH, Mitch Walters, Dr. Renee McInnis-Wood, Chandra Allen, Vesta Wilhoite of FL, Alicia Brown Constance Jones and Kent Lilah McInnis-Wood; special friends, Donnita Marks, Adrian Hopkins, Prophetess Paula Hopkins, and Pamela Catus, all of Beckley, WV, Cindy Brown of Huntington, WV; special brother, Marcus Wilkes, and so many other family members and friends, too numerous to name.

Karen, this wonderful lady, has made the safe journey home and all is well, now. Until we meet again, my loving wife, my devoted sister, our dear aunt, sister-in-law, cousin, and friend, “Fly High” “Enjoy Heaven” and “Watch Over Us”

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Rev. Debra Smoot officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may visit with the family one-hour prior.

To livestream go to heartofgodministrieswv.org

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Tributes

Brandon Valentine sent Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment for Mrs. Karen Teresa Jones McCray - 05/07/2025

Karen you will always be in our heart and we will see you soon dear friend. Love The Valentine, Hudson, Teet, and Hall Family.

Condolences

05/18/2025

Flora Thompson

My sincere condolences and prayers for her family.❤️🙏🏽
05/14/2025

Kendra Williams

Sending our love & prayers in this difficult time. The McDowell Family 💜
05/12/2025

Brenda Nixon

Karen will truly be missed...Heaven gained another angel. I pray for my brother's and Karen's brother's strength... You meant so much to so many! Until we meet again rest in peace sweet sister-in-law ❤
05/10/2025

Otealia Crider

I met this beautiful lady about fifteen years ago, when she transported my late mother to her doctor appointments. Karen was ALWAYS loving and kind to us. I am so sorry to learn of her passing, but so very happy she is resting with the Lord. May God bless, strengthen, and keep her family at this difficult time, and in the days ahead. Rest with God dear lady.
05/09/2025

Beverly Ayers

I met Karen as a driver for the RCCOA. We would always speak to each other after I rode on the bus with my client years ago, she was a very nice lady. I'm sorry to hear of her death.
05/07/2025

Pam Catus

To the McCray and Jones family, we are sending prayers and love. God knows your hearts are broken, but we are praying for peace for everyone of you. Sincerely Pam Catus and family.
05/07/2025

Brandon & Sharawn Valentine

On the behalf of the Valentine, Hudson, Teet, and Hall family. Our family friendship goes back almost 70years. It saddens us to know our friend Karen is no longer with us. But we find joy in knowing she is in Heaven alongside her mother Juanita, father Mr. Laney Jones, and siblings. We pray Brian and all remaining relatives keep her memory alive and I know one day we will all be together soon with our Lord. We love you all. Brandon & Sharawn Valentine
05/07/2025

Dreama Rogers

To James McCray and Brian Jones Sorry for your loss of your dear wife and precious sister. Our love and prayers are with you and your family. Aunt Patricia/Pat Jones Irvin, Cousin Jay/Darris Irvin, Dreama Rogers/sons, and Rickey
05/07/2025

Larry Hoskins
05/06/2025

Jessie Griffith

She was a good friend and she was a good driver for the Commission on Aging.She was a likable person and easy to get along with. She will be missed by all.
05/05/2025

Rise" Ashe

Condolences to the family of Mrs. Karen Jones McGary. You will truly be missed. Thank you for being a great friend and a beautiful person 🙏🏾🕊 Love Rise' Ashe , Stacey & Tahzee'
05/03/2025

Diana carson

Such a sweet beautiful person 💕 I will always keep you in my heart ❤️ I'm praying for the family .. love Nae manns carson & sheik ..
05/03/2025

- Charlene Wynes Davis

Prayers
05/01/2025

Charalene

To the Jones and McCray family, sending my love and deepest condolences on the passing of Cousin Karen. May she rest in perfect peace and May God continue to wrap the family in His comfort and love. We are keeping you all in our prayers. With heartfelt sympathy, Cousin Charalene (Wheatley) Goodwin
05/01/2025

Candice pankey

To the family of Karen I have memories of our childhood on Missouri Ave playing kickball,handball,red roses, jump rope seeing you deliver food to the elderly take your rest my condolences to the family. Candice pankey
05/01/2025

Rue Hairston

To The Family: Sending love and prayers and offering our sincere condolences during this difficult time. May God grant you peace and comfort. Karen, rest in the precious arms of the Father. You will be greatly missed.🙏✝️ The Neighbors- Underwoods, Hairstons, Collins, Amblers, Goodalls and Jetts
05/01/2025

Renee (Hannah) Ingram

To the family, I was heartbroken to hear about the passing of my beloved and oldest friend, Karen. I have very fond memories of our childhood together on Morris avenue at her grandmother's house. Although we lost touch as adults, she was always in my thoughts and I loved her very much. Take your rest my dear friend. I will see you when I get there. My sincerest condolences to the family 🙏🏽 Renee (Hannah) Ingram
04/30/2025

Bobby Sanders and Stephanie Borders-Sanders

On behalf of the Borders-Sanders Family we send our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of our cousin and friend Karen Jones McCray. Bobby Sanders and Stephanie Borders-Sanders
04/30/2025

Angel Lawson
04/29/2025

Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Starkey Jr.

To the Family of Mrs. Karen Jones McCray, You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in knowing that your loved one's memory will always live on in your hearts. We are thinking of you during this difficult time. In prayer and love, Kenny and Connie Starkey
04/29/2025

Eileen and Clifford

To the Jones &McCray family. You have our deepest condolences and prayers. May God bless and keep you during this difficult time. Sincerely Clifford and Eileen Washington
04/28/2025

Debra Borders

To the McCray, Jones, Borders,Walter's Family Today you all, we are in mourning over having to say goodbye for now to our beloved Karen, yet rejoicing, knowing that she is fine and well and in the loving arms of our Father God, Lord, and Savior. We miss Karen and love her even more. Take your wings now Karen, you earned them with your heart. I Love You Dear Cousin, Best Friend! Debra Borders