Mary "Jo" McCray

Mary Joanna McCray, 81 of Muskogee, passed away Sunday, November 8, 2015 after a brief illness. “Jo” as her family and friends knew her by was born May 13, 1934 in Richmond, NY to James and Amy (Robertson) Wayson. She grew up and attended the public schools, graduating from Tottenville High School in Staten Island, NY with the class of 1952. A very strong and determined young lady, Jo entered the work force and also became a wife and mother. Her sons recall her career as a machinist and later working up to supervisor with Townsend TexTron Fastening Systems and Nabisco. She enjoyed her careers with both companies, retiring in 1994. On February 9, 2004, Jo married John Jeremiah “Jere” Friske in Muskogee, OK. They shared almost 12 years of marriage together before Jere’s death on Friday, November 6, 2015. Jere was born June 11, 1939 in Muenster, TX to Martin J. and Martha (Luke) Friske. Jo and Jere enjoyed their life together. They loved spending time with their family and friends, but their favorite activity was travelling together. They went on many cruises and trips including destinations such as Alaska, the Caribbean, Machu Picchu, Peru and Puerto Rico. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Wes Wayson and Buzz Wayson; Henry Biel, the father of 4 of her children; her husband of 15 years, Lloyd McCray. Jo and Jere are survived by sons, Harry Biel of Belleville, IL, Bruce Biel of Anaheim, CA, Kenny Biel of Blackwood, NJ, Todd Biel of Warner, OK, Donn Davis of Muskogee, OK, John Friske of Orange County, CA and Albert Friske of Orange County, CA; grandchildren, Cindy, David, Jamie, Darlene, Suzanne, T.K., Sara, and Heather; brother, Crosby “Bing” Wayson of Staten Island, NY; sister-in-law, Margaret “Midge” Wayson of Greeneville, TN; other family members and friends. A celebration of life for Jo and Jere will be 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 16, 2015 at Cornerstone Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor John Overton officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Harry Biel, Donn Davis, Daniel Thacker, James Morris, Christian Maury and Todd Biel. Interment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mary "Jo" McCray

May 13, 1934 - November 8, 2015