Geneva (McCray) Kinlaw

Geneva McCray Kinlaw was born December 7, 1925, in Trio, Williamsburg County, South Carolina to the late March and Mary McCray. Even though her actual birthday was in December, she celebrated on May 7th, because like many African Americans in that era her birth was only recorded in family records. She departed this wife on August 9, 2021. Geneva was the youngest of six children. Her parents and siblings all preceded her in death. 

The time represented by the dash between 1925-2021 is extensive and Geneva achieved a great deal during her lifetime. She worked most of her life as a steam press operator in many cleaners and laundries in Conway, SC and Philadelphia, Pa. She retired many times, but it was difficult for this hard working woman to be still.

Geneva grew up in a Christian home and in 1984 she made a public confession of Jesus as LORD and SAVIOR of her life. Geneva was a faithful and devoted member of Mt. Triumph Missionary Baptist Church from 1977 until her death. She served in many areas of the church ministry of Mt Triumph until her health prevented her from active service. She was faithful in attendance and in support to Mt. Triumph. On her deathbed she said, "Don't forget to turn in my pastor anniversary offering!" Lovingly Pastor Stevenson called her and her longtime friend Lucille Floyd, "Laverne and Shirley, because when you sow one you saw the other. Although they were the eldest members of the church they were usually the first to show up for any ministry the church was involved in and often among the last to leave making sure they had done all that needed to be done. 

In 1978, Geneva married her childhood sweetheart Horace Kinlaw and they remained husband and wife until his death. Geneva was the loving mother of eight children, four of which preceded her to death: Mary Alice Lewis (Richard), Horace Kinlaw, Jr, Laura Sterling (Charles) and Lacy Hines (Connie). Geneva's four surviving daughters are: Marthina Wallace, Patricia Doss (Dennis), Ramona Brice and Roberta Hamilton (Monford). In addition, she is survived by stepchildren: Ronald Kinlaw (Francello), Jannie Watkins (Lenny), Christine Thomas, Veola Rice, Carl Kinlaw and Angeline Williams (Charles). 

Geneva was a social butterfly and never met a stranger. Many people were attracted to her sweet caring spirit calling her, "Momma" and "Grandmom". Geneva touched the hearts of many people and along with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, a cousin Annie Preston, a host of nieces and nephews, church family and friends are left to cherish her memory.

With Love, The Family

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