Oct. 30, 1945 - Jan. 9, 2015 Cleester "Esther" J. Farley McCray was born to Mr. and Mrs. Clyde and Annie Belle Farley in Woodward, Alabama on October 30, 1945. She graduated from Wenonah High School in 1963. She confessed Christ and was baptized at the First Baptist Church Woodward. Esther was united in holy matrimony to Mr. Melvin B. McCray, Sr., who relocated his family from Birmingham to Gary Indiana. She worked in several sales and service positions including the Girl Scouts of America (IN) and upon her relocation to Birmingham, MC Rae's Department Store where she later retired. Upon relocating to Birmingham, Esther reunited with First Baptist Woodward and later joined Liberty Faith Christian Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, two granddaughters and a son, Maurice McCray. Esther departed this life on Friday, January 9 2015, after a long battle with Lupus which damaged her heart and liver but not her spirit and faith. She will be cherished forever by her loving husband and companion, Melvin B. McCray, Sr.; four daughters, Jacquelyn McCray, Joycelyn (William) Pullom, Melva (Daniel) Tate and Catrice (Morgan) Thomas; two sons, Melvin (Frederick) McCray, Jr. and Kevin McCray; fourteen siblings and in-laws, seventeen grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Liberty Faith Christian Church, 4th Ave. Bessemer. Family Hour on Friday, 6pm-8pm at Faith Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 9th Ave. Bessemer. Pastor Joel Davis Officiating.

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