Mary Elizabeth McCrae

Mary Elizabeth McCrae known as “Mae”, the eldest of five children, daughter of the late Elma West and Frederick McCrae.  Mae was born on August 7, 1950 and granted her angel wings when departed life on January 20, 2018. 

Mae was born in Bennettsville, S.C.  She left South Carolina at a young age and moved to New York City.  Mae was educated in the New York City public school system.  Mae graduated from Crown Business Institute receiving a Certificate in Business.  Mae worked with the NYC Parks Department for many years and was also a full-time seamstress.  Mae attended Mt. Hebron Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ where she was a member of the choir and soloist.

Mae was a woman of many talents, but fashion, DIY’s, and comedy was what she was best known for.  Mae was one fashionable lady with exquisite taste in clothing and accessories.  Mae lipstick always matched her attire.  Her appearance was everything to her.  She was a reliable, affordable seamstress everyone in the neighborhood patronized.  If you needed an outfit Friday it would be ready by Thursday and if she was going out on the town 'believe me' her outfit would be completed in a matter of hours.  She could redecorate anything from a couch to a place mat.

Mae was one of the well-loved mother's in the neighborhood.  People would go to her for anything from childcare, medical advice, and guidance.  Mae sacrificed her time so that people could better themselves, without her, many of us could not have advanced in school, careers or life. She provided us 

with a peace of mind while providing a secure safe place for our children to stay. She always had an open-door policy and would listen when no one else would.  Monetary gifts she didn't have to give and they had no important value to Mae, she gave what she had – – all of herself.  She gave laughter, she gave comfort, she gave love. Mae was a well-respected woman and left a mark on anyone she came in contact with. God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things.

Mae kept it real with a comical twist.  Being around Mae you definitely were guaranteed a good laugh.  Her jokes, her stories would have you in tears.  She could take the worst of a situation and make it humorous.  She was a comedian and it made her happy telling jokes making you smile.

Mae you are a true, rare gem and will be missed dearly.

Mae has joined her parents, Elma West and Frederick McCrae, her three siblings, Frederick, Eddie and Patricia in heaven. 

She will be remembered by her devoted brother, Robert, beloved children, Kevin, Jamel, Najiyyah, Anthony, Shanekqua, Shacoryah, and her late daughters, Crystal and Shakeia.  Mae's love for her children was unconditional.  Mae was a grandmother to fourteen grandchildren, Nailah, Elishuba, Nephthys, Asaru, Jamela, Jamel, Rhaziek, Shakeia, Tafarci, Tahari, Keaijah, Ke'niya (BW), Shacoryan, Erica and Aahlyah.  She loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Nazir and Ja'Lynn.  Mae also leaves behind two daughter in-laws, Sandra and Paska and one son in-law Eric, along with a host of relatives, nieces, nephews, and great friends who she deeply loved and leaves to cherish her memories.

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