Mrs. Marie Hazel L. (McCray) Southerland

     It's with sadness and sorrow we officially announce the transition of our beloved Mrs. Marie Southerland, 84 of Lumberton. She transitioned from time to eternal rest on January 17, 2026.

     The family respectfully requests home visitation be limited to immediate family members only. Please do not bring or send food to the home. We ask that you keep the family lifted up to God in prayer. We are greatly indebted to each of you for your compassion, concern, and support. 

    Marie Hazel McCray Southerland was born on June 21, 1941, in Andrews, South Carolina, to the late Booker and Lucille Spivey McCray. Marie Hazel was the second of the thirteen children, two brothers, Tony McCray and Benjamin McCray, who preceded her in death. She graduated from Rosemary High School in 1959. In 1960, she relocated to Jamaica, New York, she joined and was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church, and an active member of the South Carolina Club.

    In 1971, she married Thomas Southerland, Together, they were blessed with two sons, Thomas C. Southerland and Shaun D. Southerland. The 
family later relocated to Lumberton, North Carolina, where she joined First Baptist Church and was a member of many ministries. She was a,40-year member of N.C. Association Ministers’ Wives/Ministers Widows (NCAMWMW).

     Marie Hazel was a humble, loving, and giving woman who touched the lives of everyone she met. After the passing of her parents, she lovingly assumed the role of a mother to her siblings. She was an amazing and devoted mother to her two boys. She was known for her beautiful crafting skills, her delicious cookies, and her famous one-sided chocolate cake.

     On January 17, 2026, Marie Hazel departed this life, leaving to cherish her loving memory, her devoted husband, Reverend Dr. Thomas Southerland; two sons, Thomas C. Southerland and Shaun D. Southerland; three beautiful granddaughters, Abijah L., Allijah (Laylah )and Azariyah (Zari) L. Southerland; six sisters, Eula Garland of Columbus, Ohio, Lottie Guitard, Viola McCray, Linda Filmore, Glendora Dorsey, all of Andrews, South Carolina; and Gloria McCray of Brooklyn, New York; four brothers, Booker T. (Cynthia) McCray Jr., Spivey J. (Helen) McCray, Reverend Standy (Barbara) McCray, and Ricky McCray, all of Andrews, South Carolina; a special nephew, Sheldon (Debra) Southerland; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends, including a special classmate, Mattie Dozier.

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