Funeral service for Mrs. Estell McCray, 80 of Killeen, TX will be held Thursday, April 23, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Christian House of Prayer the Copperas Cove Campus, in Copperas Cove, TX. Burial will follow the service at the Killeen City Cemetery in Killeen, TX.

Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service (9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.) at the church.

To view the previous recording of the service for Mrs. McCray, please click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLTD4Mlg8K8

Estell Parks McCray was born September 16, 1945, in Birmingham, Alabama to her parents Earlie & Eola Parks. She was the second of three siblings. Estell grew up in the Birmingham area and attended various elementary and middle schools. She passed away April 7, 2026, in Killeen, TX.

As a senior in high school, Estell participated in the Civil Rights Movement of 1963, bringing attention to racial disparity and segregation in her city. The march was historic, involving Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Andrew Young, and Ralph Abernathy. As a result, she spent three days
in jail for the cause. She graduated from Ullman High School in 1963. Her journey continued when she married the love of her life, her childhood sweetheart, Nathaniel McCray Sr., on February 16, 1964. God granted them 40 years of love and happiness. Her beloved husband Nathaniel received the Bronze Star for his heroic service and retired as a Sergeant Major (SGM). From this union, they raised three wonderful sons: Nathaniel Jr., Daniel, and Peatro (Tony). Estell cherished family life, initially serving as a stay-at-home mother caring for her children.

As time went by, she later embarked on a career outside the home. She worked as a Ward Clerk in the Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Department. Later, she worked in the Medical Illustration Department in Landstuhl, Germany. Her final place of employment was at the Household Goods Transportation Office at Ft. Hood, Texas, where she impacted and inspired those around her. She retired after 22 years of faithful civil service. Estell received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a youth. While attending the Christian House of Prayer, she became an active member on February 22, 1998. She served faithfully, especially in the Children's Church Ministry. To further equip herself, she attended Sonship School of the First Born in Killeen and graduated in the inaugural class in October 2007. She took her responsibilities to heart, preparing lessons and activities to guide children in following Christ. Her husband Nathaniel later joined her in this mission.

Because of her heart for serving, she invested in her community as a mentor, role model, and motivator in the "Big Sister" program. She also served as President of the NCO Wives Club and was instrumental in establishing the first PTA (Parent Teacher Association) at Ellison High
School, where she served as president for two years.

Being involved in her community was a passion of hers. Estell was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority while in Landstuhl, Germany, supporting various programs. She also served with the Children's Evangelist Ministry in Venable Village at Ft. Hood, Texas. Additionally, she was a
member of International Training in Communication (ITC), a nonprofit organization focused on speech improvement and leadership training.

Truly, she was a Proverbs 31 woman who walked among us with kindness in her heart. "Many daughters have done virtuously, but she excels them all." Estell lived a full and meaningful life. She leaves a legacy of faith for her sons and grandsons. Her favorite scripture was Philippians
4:13: "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

Estell is preceded in death by her parents Earlie and Eola Parks; her husband Nathaniel McCray Sr.; her brothers Earlie Parks Jr. and Sylvester Parks and her sister Ruby Lee Park, all of Birmingham, Alabama.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her sons Nathaniel McCray Jr. (wife Diane) of Killeen, Texas; Daniel McCray of Houston, Texas; and Peatro Antonio Parks-McCray (Tony) of Dallas, Texas. Grandsons: Nathaniel McCray III, Nicholas McCray (both of Killeen, Texas), and Bryce McCray of Houston, Texas; and niece DaShana Hall of Houston, Texas.