Jerrilyn "Micki" Harris-McCray

A Life Well Spent 

Jerrilyn “Micki” Harris-McCray, of Albany, NY, went Home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband and devoted family. She was born on October 26, 1960, in Bronx, NY, to Asbury Thomas and Eddilee Williams, but was lovingly raised by her mother and Joseph Harris, who was affectionately known as “Daddy”.

Micki grew up in a warm and lively home with four sisters and two brothers, spending much of her childhood in Mt. Vernon, NY. She later attended Maria Regina College in Syracuse, where she studied Social Work and Sociology, nurturing her passion for helping others.

From an early age, Micki accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She attended Holy Temple Church of God in Christ, where her faith took root and blossomed. It was during this time that she met her childhood friend, Howard McCray. The two shared a close friendship for many years, and at just fifteen, that friendship blossomed into a love that would last a lifetime. Howard became her lifelong sweetheart, and together they shared more than four decades of devotion. They married on September 11, 1982, and soon after moved to Albany, NY to begin their life together. To this union, they were blessed with three children: Alana, Howard Jr., and Nyomi.

Micki lived her life with deep devotion to God, family, and service. She poured God’s Word and the love of the Father into her children and later into her grandchildren, who lovingly called her “Maima.”

As her children grew, Micki returned to school and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from The College of St. Rose. She went on to dedicate more than 20 years to the NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and served as an Elementary and Middle School Teacher in the Albany School District. She was deeply committed to her students, especially those who were at-risk or underserved, and left a lasting impact through her compassion, encouragement, and love.

Micki was a faithful member of Reigning Life Family Church, serving under the tutelage of Pastor Fred and Evelyn Sanles for 40 years. She was the true embodiment of John 4:24, living as a worshipper in spirit and in truth, and demonstrating her heart of worship in everything she put her hands to within the ministry. Micki sang joyfully with the Praise and Worship team, taught and choreographed praise dances—which often included her daughters—and poured her heart into the Club Zoe Youth Ministry. She worked closely alongside Pastor Evelyn and served faithfully on the finance committee. In every role, Micki lived her faith daily and inspired her family and community to do the same.

Outside of her ministry and work, Micki loved traveling—whether on cruises, road trips, or family vacations. She also enjoyed puzzles, family board games, Sudoku, Spit, word finds, and Candy Crush. In her spare time, she found joy in improving her Spanish and took great pride in her lessons. But her greatest joy always came from being with her family. Her hugs made people feel at home, and her kindness left an imprint on every soul she touched.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband of 42 years, Howard McCray; her children, Alana McCray of Albany, Howard McCray Jr. (Barbara) of Virginia, and Nyomi McCray of California; three sisters, Lucille Harris of Yonkers, NY, Delfrieda Jones of Mt. Vernon, NY, and Tracey “Sugar” Harris of Rensselaer, NY; two brothers, Joseph Harris (Blanca) of Arizona and David Harris of Georgia; her beloved mother-in-law, Emily Miller of New Jersey; Lucille Thomas (Granny) of Bronx, NY; eight granddaughters; Jaielle, Laila, Aisayah, Nevaeh, Jasiah, Madison, Micah, and Ava; one grandson, Mason; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Eddilee and her sister, Deborah Harris.

Micki’s life was a testimony of faith, love, and grace. She will be remembered for her radiant spirit, her devotion to the Lord, her fierce love for her family, and her passion for lifting others up. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love and faith will live on in each of us.

Lovingly submitted by the family.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, from 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 3:30 pm at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie NY 12205