Carolyn Irene McRaney

 Funeral services for Mrs. Carolyn Irene McRaney will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 4, 2024, at Saulters Moore Funeral Chapel with her son, the Reverend Len McRaney, officiating. Interment will follow in the Lonestar Cemetery. Mrs. McRaney, age 90, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord early Tuesday morning, October 29, 2024, in Long Beach, Mississippi. Saulters Moore Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family will receive friends Monday morning, November 4, beginning at 9:00 AM until the hour of service at 11:00 AM at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

 Carolyn Irene McRaney was born August 8, 1934 to Carroll & Ruby Loftin. She graduated from Prentiss High School April 13, 1953. She was appointed as a clerk to the City Hall Office for Prentiss in 1971 and appointed City Clerk of Prentiss in 1973. She was among the first class of Certified Municipal Clerks in 1976 and served as City Clerk for the Town of Prentiss until March, 2000 having served 29 years with the Town of Prentiss. She was appointed by the Town of Prentiss to the Pearl & Leaf Rivers Rails to Trail Board that built the Longleaf Trace in June, 1996 and served with this board as Treasurer until 2013. Among her greatest honors and a source of great joy was having the Prentiss Longleaf Trace Gateway named the “Carolyn McRaney Gateway Trailhead” in 2010. She was married to the Rev. Sam McRaney, Jr on May 18,1974 and served with him in several United Methodist Churches in South Mississippi. She loved the Lord and faithfully served the Lord and His church.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother who died in the womb, but reunited with her in heaven; her brother, “Freddy” Loftin and her son, David Peavy. She is survived by her daughter, Theresa Byrd (Steve), her sons, Mark Peavy, Richard McRaney (Sonja), Rev. Len McRaney (Patty), Sammy McRaney (Kelly), Kenny McRaney (Chrissy) and her sister, Ora Belle, and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 The family of Carolyn McRaney wishes to express thanks and thanksgiving to her many friends for their prayers, support & encouragement as she declined in health. We especially want to thank Prentiss Methodist Church and Lone Star Methodist Church for the cards, letters, calls and visits that were a source of joy to Mom. We want to thank the staff and residents of Seashore Highlands Assisted Living Community of Gulfport, Mississippi for their support, encouragement and love. She enjoyed the fellowship and fun afforded her while she was a resident. We want to thank Senior Oaks of Long Beach and Gentiva Hospice for their compassion and care during Mom’s transition to Heaven. We especially want to thank the nurses and Chaplain Ken as he sang with her and prayed with her as she transitioned to Heaven.

 Instead of flowers or plants, Mom would appreciate that gift going to the “Christmas Box” ministry of your church if they have one. Or, to Coalville UMC “Christmas Box” ministry. (12298 Shorecrest Road Biloxi, MS 39532) Mom’s words were…”I would rather that money be used for ministry to children than to go in the garbage. I won’t be able to enjoy the flowers because I’ll be in Heaven. Flowers and plants will wither and die and have to be discarded. Ministry is eternal; Flowers are temporary.”

Online condolences and a guest registry are available at www.saultersmoorefuneralhome.com