Phyllis Jean McCray (McCormick), 96, of Hickory, North Carolina, passed away on June 6, 2026.

Phyllis was born at home on 2nd and Bannock Street in Denver, Colorado, on March 22, 1930, to George Ernest McCormick and Ethel May Dollarhide. She was the third of five children and grew up alongside her siblings: Elsie Dorlene “Darleen” McCormick-Witherall and George Leroy Jr. (both predeceased), Shirley Mae McCormick-McNece of Davis, California, and Jack Norman (predeceased) of Surprise, Arizona.

While working at Gates Rubber Company in Denver, Phyllis met the love of her life, Clifford Ray McCray. They married on January 26, 1951, and together built a life grounded in devotion, hard work, and family. They raised four sons: Michael Lee, Gerald Ray, Donald George, and Steven Clifford.

Phyllis was deeply proud of her growing family. Gerald’s children from his first two marriages—Jerry Ray (sons Aaron and Dylan), Adam James (daughter Peyton), Robert Addison (daughters Addison Raiens and Isla Skye), Jeremy Alexander (sons Carter, Gage and Rowan) and Phillip Walker (sons Brody, Chase and Jackson)—brought her tremendous joy. From Gerald’s third marriage to Donna, Phyllis also embraced two step‑grandchildren, Josh Costello and Katie Hemming, as part of her family. Their children—Elli Costello, Brookie Costello, Rocco Costello, and Scarlet Hemming—added another generation of laughter and love that she cherished.

Donald has two sons, Kyle Dale and Colin Grant. Steven has two children, Jenna Lee and Aidan William.

Education was a lifelong priority for Phyllis. She graduated from Banning High School in Wilmington, California, in 1949, attended Casper Junior College and Harbor Junior College, and ultimately earned her Associate of Arts degree from Santa Ana Junior College. Her commitment to learning shaped her life and inspired those around her.

Phyllis will be remembered for her quiet strength, her deep love for her family, and the steady grace with which she moved through the world. Her legacy lives on in the generations who carry her spirit forward.