Gail McCraw, 73
September 20, 1953 – October 29, 2026
Anita Gail Taylor McCraw passed away on October 29, 2026, at Magnolia Place in New Albany, Mississippi, at the age of 73.
Gail was born on September 20, 1953, in New Albany, Mississippi, to Fred and Laverne Briscoe Taylor. She was a lifelong resident of the area and carried with her the values of faith, family, and kindness throughout her life. She was a Christian woman whose gentle spirit and steady presence touched the lives of many who knew her.
Gail worked for a number of years at Piper Impact in quality control, where she was known for her dependability and strong work ethic. Her life was also deeply rooted in her church family. She was a charter member of Open Door Baptist Church in Winborn, Mississippi, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and as a teacher at Open Door Baptist Academy. She also shared her musical gifts as the church pianist and gave her time and care as the head of church decorating. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Beulah Baptist Church.
Family was at the center of Gail’s life, and she cherished every moment spent with those she loved. She is survived by her daughter, Cheryl Grisham; her brother, Mark Taylor and his wife Ashley; her grandson, John Randall Grisham and his wife Faith; her step-grandson, Bryson Grisham; and her two great-grandsons, Henry Grisham and Waylon Grisham. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Troy Rayburn McCraw; her parents, Fred and Laverne Briscoe Taylor; her sister, Christie Diane Clayton; and her brother, Allen Taylor.
Gail enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and found joy in the things that brought her closer to the people she loved. She really enjoyed shopping, and she especially loved fishing and camping with her family. She was also a huge fan of Memphis Grizzlies basketball and followed the team with enthusiasm. Her warm smile, loving heart, and faithful nature made her a blessing to all who knew her.
Those who knew Gail will remember her as loving, faith-filled, and kind. Her life was a reflection of devotion to God, commitment to family, and service to others. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, her church, and all who were fortunate enough to share in her life.
A visitation will be held at United Funeral Service on Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. until funeral service time at 2:00 p.m. with Bro. Marty Merritt officiating. Burial will be at Glenfield Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Clayton Smith, Christian Smith, Kyle Courtney, Jack Hall, Keilenn Hodges, Jeff Smith, Jeff Roberts and Tyler Schurr.
The family would like to thank the staff of Magnolia Place for the love and care Gail was given as a resident.
United Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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