With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Barbara Ann McCray Dawson, 64, of Pineville, SC, wife of Thomas Dawson, who passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Life Reflections

Barbara Ann Cleo McCray-Dawson was born on November 2, 1961, in Berkeley County, South Carolina to the late Vermell S. Sanders and Aaron McCray Sr. She departed this life on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, at her residence in Pineville, South Carolina.

At an early age, Barbara became a member of Messiah Reformed Episcopal Church with her parents and siblings. Barbara attended Cross High School with the class of 1980. She then attended Denmark Technical College, where she graduated with an Associate Degree in Human services in 1982.

After college, Barbara began her career in the medical field and transitioned to a company called London Pantry and Quoizel for several years. Throughout the years, Barbara has worked at Harris Fish Camp, and as a substitute teacher at the J.K. Gourdine where she met her husband, Mr. Thomas Dawson. Barbara worked for Pineville/St. Stephen Mart where she was loved by the owner, co-workers, and customers. During her early years, Barbara enjoyed playing softball with the Eadytown Hawks, traveling, cooking, fishing, dancing, and spending time with her boys and grandchildren. Barbara was joined in Holy Matrimony with Mr. Thomas Dawson in 2014 and they were married for 12 years.

Barbara was preceded in death by: her parents, Vermell S. McCray and Aaron McCray Sr., her sister, Mary Alice Sanders; her brother, Aaron McCray Jr.; a sister-in-law, Delphine Ann McCray; brothers-in-law, Ray Benekin and James Gilliard; a dear cousin that was like a brother, Deak Brown; and a nephew, A'Mori OJ McCray.

Barbara leaves behind to cherish her memories; her husband, Thomas Dawson; her four sons, Christopher McCray Sr. of Gaithersburg, MD, Antonio (Michelle) McCray of Copper Coves, TX, Roderick McCray of Greer, SC and Profit Jimmy (PJ) Duncan of the home; her stepchildren, Adrienne Layne, Joyce Shearin and Lionel Layne all of Brooklyn, NY; her beloved daughter-in-law, Michelle McCray; five grandchildren, Christopher McCray Jr. of Packs River, VA, Isaiah Koellner of San Antonio, TX, Kaiden McCray, Brayden McCray and Eliyanah McCray all of Copper Coves, TX; her siblings, Earline (Ralph) Register of Donasville, GA, Christine M. Benekin of Pineville, SC, Vanessa McCray of Donasville, GA, Gwen (Alton) Pringle of Ridgeville, SC, Horace McCray of Cross, SC, Kenneth (Jennifer) McCray of Sacramento, CA, Jefferey (Sandy) Sanders of Holly Hill, SC, Cynthia (Stephen) Porter of Dothan, AL and Ruby Rembert of Winston Salem, NC; two special nieces that she called her daughters, Janet McCray of Cross, SC and Sierra Benekin of Charlotte, NC; one sister-in-law, Anita Taylor; her goddaughters, Tiffany Theirse, Saniya Collins-Brown and Tamia McCray; one godson, Jeeve Patel; her two devoted best friends, Doreen Harris and Gail Collins; her special friends, Barbara Milligan, Laurie McCrea, Barbara Griffin, Francina President, Tasha King, Claire Hampton, Louise Gadsen, Melissa Gadsen, Barbara Williams, Jaina and Viren Patel; along with a hosts of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and classmates.

The family is receiving friends and family at 231 McCray Lane, Pineville, SC.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of St. Stephen, SC. 843-354-2292.