Iva "Doll" Drumwright McCrae

The Celebration of Life Service for Mrs. McCrae will be live streamed on the Facebook Page of Fisher Memorial Funeral Parlor.

FACE MASKS ARE STRONGLY URGED!!!

Mrs. Iva Drumwright McCrae, age 102, peacefully transitioned from labor to reward on May 14, 2026. Born on May 29, 1923 in Woodsdale, North Carolina, she was the seventh of eight children born to the late Charles and Luna Street Drumwright. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, George McCrae, Jr., and her seven siblings.

Mrs. McCrae accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of Allen’s Chapel AME Church in Woodsdale, North Carolina. Her faith remained the foundation of her life and guided her service, leadership, and devotion to family and community for more than a century. For 78 years, she faithfully served as a member of White Rock Baptist Church, where she worked with the Shepherd-Womack-Williams Missionary Circle, the Hospitality Meals for Funerals Ministry, and regularly attended the Noon Day Prayer Group. Those who knew her often described her as a God-fearing woman whose life reflected grace, discipline, compassion, and unwavering faith. Mrs. McCrae attended public schools in Person County, North Carolina before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce from North Carolina Central University, formerly North Carolina College in Durham. She later pursued additional studies at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received certification in Special Education for Exceptional Children. Education was not simply a profession for Mrs. McCrae; it was her calling. She began her teaching career at Toler School in Oxford, North Carolina, and later devoted twenty-three years to serving students as a Special Education Teacher for Exceptional Children at Pearsontown Elementary School in Durham. As the school’s first certified Special Education teacher she became known for her patience, individualized instruction, and deep love for every child she encountered. Her commitment often extended beyond the classroom as students and families found support, encouragement, and care within her own home.

While attending North Carolina Central University Mrs. McCrae met the love of her life, George McCrae, Jr. Their meeting quickly blossomed into a lifelong partnership grounded in faith, devotion, and mutual respect. After George returned home from military service, the couple married on August 16, 1947, and together built a beautiful legacy centered on family, education, service, and love. Throughout her distinguished career, Mrs. McCrae received numerous honors recognizing her extraordinary impact on education and the community. In 1978 the City of Durham named her Mother of the Year. In 1988 she received the Teacher of the Year Award from the Association for Retarded Citizens for both Durham County and the State of North Carolina. Upon her retirement in 1990 she was presented with the Pearsontown PTA Plaque for her years of dedicated service. In 2006 she was honored at the First Ecumenical Women’s Conference for her commitment to Durham Public Schools, and in 2014 the Ebonettes Service Club recognized her for making a lasting difference in the field of education. Mrs. McCrae was also deeply involved in civic and professional organizations, including the National Education Association, the Durham County Association of Educators, the North Carolina Association for Retired Personnel, Pearsontown School Retired Faculty Members, and the National Council of Negro Women. She was additionally awarded the Calvin Taylor Goodwill Ambassador Award from USA Luxury Tours Company for her continued support and service. Beyond her many accomplishments Mrs. McCrae was devoted to her family and instilled in her daughters the values of faith, education, dignity, perseverance, and self-respect. The McCrae home was known as a place of structure, warmth, worship, laughter, and learning. Family nights, homemade cakes, church services, school activities, and meaningful conversations became treasured traditions that shaped generations to come. She was also known for her exceptional cooking, especially her pound cake and hot buttered biscuits, which became beloved staples among family and friends. Even in retirement Mrs. McCrae remained active and engaged, traveling extensively throughout the United States and abroad, including trips to the Dominican Republic, Belize, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Hawaii, where she celebrated her 100th birthday on a seven-day cruise surrounded by loved ones. Mrs. McCrae’s life was a testament to faith in action, Black excellence across generations, and unconditional love rooted in God. She leaves behind a powerful legacy of wisdom, service, compassion, and strength that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her six daughters: Jacquelyn M. Jenkins (Johnny) of Matthews, North Carolina; Claudia M. Woods of Bahama, North Carolina; Parepa M. Williams of Lewisville, North Carolina; Deborah G. McCrae of Wake Forest, North Carolina; Tonya G. McCrae of Durham, North Carolina; and Tammy McCrae-Coley of Greensboro, North Carolina; along with a special niece, Melba Wolfe of Reserve, Louisiana. She also leaves her loving grandchildren: Regina Jenkins, Michael Williams, Jarrod Jenkins, Valarie Williams, Janna Jenkins, Courtney Cooper (Jeremy), Avis Ballard (Bruce), Edwin McKnight, Daniel Coley, Garrett Coley and Tyvna McCrae; and great-grandchildren: Zachary White, Farrah Jenkins, Justin Williams, Christopher Jenkins, Kennedi Williams, Kennedy Rounds, Kortnie McKnight, Brayden Jenkins, Chandler Cooper, Essynce Cooper, Skylar Cooper, and Jordan Jenkins. The family extends special thanks for the love and support shown by Deacon Emeritus George Bridgers, Deaconess Emeritus Minnie Bridgers, Deacon Ernest and Deaconess Shirley Jenkins, Deacon Sonny and Deaconess Martha Harris, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Midgette, Sr., and her devoted church family.

In lieu of flowers, the family desires that contributions be made to North Carolina Central University in memory of Mrs. Iva Drumwright McCrae. Checks may be made payable to NCCU
Foundation, Inc. with Iva Drumwright McCrae noted in the memo line.

Please mail to:
NCCU Institutional Advancement
P.O. Box 19363
Durham, NC 27707-9990.

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