Jerline F. McCray

JERLINE F. MCCRAY
 

Life was given to Jerline Faison McCray on January 23, 1948 by her loving parents, the late Rev. David J. Faison and the late Earlie Hampton Faison of Georgetown, South Carolina whom God entrusted to have an indelible positive impact on her. Jerline was blessed with two caring and protective siblings. Her older sibling, Julia M. Shipman, predeceased her. Also, she had a very dear nephew, Willie J. Faison, who predeceased her.

Jerline’s early childhood was surrounded with love and support from her fraternal and maternal grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

MARRIAGE

Tyron and Jerline were joined into Holy Matrimony on December 29, 1970 at First Calvary Baptist Church in Georgetown, South Carolina. The late Pastor, Rev. Frank Vereen administered the ministerial component. God blessed Tyron and Jerline with two wonderful successful daughters, a loving grandson, and a successful son-in-law.

CHURCH

Jerline joined First Calvary Baptist Church in the 5th grade and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. As she relocated, Jerline became a member of Faith Tabernacle Deliverance Temple in Orangeburg, SC, Elizabeth Deliverance Tabernacle in Elizabeth, NJ, Faith Fellowship Ministries in Sayreville, NJ, and Global Favor Prayer Embassy, Dover, DE. She served in various capacities in each church. Jerline was dedicated and committed in serving and doing the will of God. On April 17, 2022, Jerline became an Ordained Minister.

EDUCATION

Jerline attended Howard for a half year prior to attending J.B. Beck Elementary School while J.B. Beck was being constructed. She graduated from Beck in 1960 and Howard High School in 1966. While at Howard, she was a member of several Academic Clubs, Sport Clubs, and she was a Cheerleader. In 1966, as a forward at Howard High, Jerline was awarded the MVP on the Girls' Basketball Team.

In 1966, Jerline attended Claflin College (University) in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She participated in several organizations and became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Jerline had a double major in Mathematics and Science. In 1970, Jerline received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Science.

In 1975, Jerline received her Master of Science degree in Mathematics at Newark College of Engineering [New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)]. This was during the transition of the college changing names, thus both names are on her degree. Also, while at Newark College of Engineering, she was the only female and only African American in her math classes.

Jerline continued to pursue her education. She received her Administrative Requirements from Kean College and was certified by the State of New Jersey. Jerline participated in additional graduate courses as well as attended conferences and various workshops to keep abreast of current trends and best practices.

CAREER

Upon graduation in 1970, Jerline worked at Bankers Trust at 16 Wall Street in New York for one year. In 1971, Jerline began her teaching career at Central High School in Newark, New Jersey. After many years of teaching, she became the Mathematics Department Chairperson for several years as well as being the English Department and Science Department Chairperson for at least 3 years.

On May 13, 1993, Jerline was recognized at a celebration Dinner for participating in a two-year program with Princeton Center for Leadership Training which included Creating a Vision for Newark Central Cluster. The caliber of this program and its accomplishments were entered into the Congressional Records of the United States in Washington, DC by the Honorable Donald Payne of New Jersey on May 11, 1993 under the file name “Creating A Vision for Newark Central Cluster”.

On May 19, 1993, Newark Municipal Council commended Jerline for exemplary contributions within her school for fostering positive attitudes, enhancing academic achievements of many students, and providing valuable contributions to the Newark Public School System.

On May 26, 1993, Jerline had the honor of having the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa to visit one of her Geometry Classes.

Jerline was the Mathematics Advisor to the Math Club, Junior and Senior Class Advisor, Co-Chairperson of the School Leadership Planning Team, Instructor in the Pre-College Consortium Program at Rutgers University, and Tutored for Ready Scholar Foundation.

Jerline is in the 4th and 5th Editions of WHO IS WHO Among America’s Teachers, 1996 and 1998, respectively, which is published by Paul C. Krouse. The principal also received a letter from “Who is Who Among American Teachers” specifying that, “Only 5% of the nation teachers are honored in Who is Who and less than 1% are honored in consecutive editions. This nomination clearly indicates that you are a very special teacher indeed.”

Member of/Previous Member: NEA, NJEA, Newark Association of Mathematics Teachers, The Mathematical Association of America, CASA, The Dunes Golf and Beach Club, Grande Dunes Members Club, the Grande Dunes Ocean Club, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.

Those to cherish Jerline’s blessed life are: Tyron McCray (husband), Dr. Shakisha McCray (daughter), Lavelle McCray Ghant (daughter), Dwayne Ghant (son-in-law), Nathan Ghant (grandson), Robert Faison (brother), Franklin McCray (brother-in-law; Loretta), Carolyn Lester (sister-in-law), Barbara Hay (sister-in-law; Andrew), and a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends..

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