KING OF PRUSSIA, PA (ABNS 6/7/25)—The American Baptist Churches USA joins with countless partners, colleagues, and family to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Trinette V. McCray, who died on May 29, 2025. A visionary leader, preacher, educator, and advocate, Dr. McCray was a trailblazer whose faithful service transformed lives and institutions across the nation.

In 1999, Dr. McCray made history as the first clergywoman elected to serve as President of American Baptist Churches USA. Her election marked a turning point in denominational leadership, breaking barriers and opening doors for future generations of women in ministry. At the time of her passing, she was serving as President of the American Baptist National Black Caucus.

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Dr. McCray was a lifelong member of Calvary Baptist Church, Milwaukee. Her ministry journey began at age twenty-five, answering God’s call to seminary and later being ordained by civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy in 1981—an accomplishment that was both spiritual and social given that Black Baptist churches in Atlanta declared not to ordain women. Throughout her ministry, she championed causes of justice, equity, and spiritual formation, embodying a deep commitment to both urban ministry and Christian education.

Dr. McCray earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, a master’s degree from Morehouse School of Religion, a Doctor of Ministry degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and worked at Cardinal Stritch University for 23 years, where she served as a Campus Minister and the Executive Director of the Center for Calling and Engagement, along with work at Central Baptist Theological Seminary-Wisconsin, before retirement. Her leadership extended beyond ABCUSA, including and involvement with the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Through McCray Consulting, she mentored, taught, and inspired churches and faith-based organizations to embrace God’s call with vitality and purpose.

She also authored the Judson Press book “Vital Spirit, Vital Service: Spirituality that Works,” a reflection of her passion for integrating deep spirituality with impactful service.

A cancer survivor for 11 years, following her diagnosis Dr. McCray continued to see God wherever she went, even at her place of care: “When I arrived at Froedtert, I knew that I would be given the best and greatest possible care by people who know and are prepared to care for me. Just by the names of the clinics – Faith Clinic, Courage Clinic – I knew that they understood the vulnerability that their patients are experiencing. I love being in the clinic called ‘Grace,’ which for me theologically means an unmerited gift of divine favor. As a person who believes that God places you where you need to be, I believed that I was faithfully following God’s plan in accepting the care that I would be given at Froedtert,” said Dr. McCray. To read more about her experience, click here.

In every role—as a local pastor, denominational leader, national board president, educator, consultant, and more—Dr. McCray broke glass ceilings with grace and faith. She led with clarity, compassion, and a vision rooted in God’s justice and love.

“Our beloved sister, Rev. Dr. Trinette McCray leaves a rich legacy of faithful leadership and deep devotion to our denomination as she mentored and impacted generations of leadership. Her witness reminds me of the African philosophy, ‘I am because you are,’ as she located her ministry within the care and wellbeing of others, and always encouraged us to keep our eyes on Christ. On Ascension Day she received her crown in Glory. Dr. McCray will be missed by many but never forgotten. Let us continue to keep her family and friends in our prayers,” said Rev. Dr. Gina C. Jacobs-Strain, general secretary of American Baptist Churches USA.

Celebration Services

Wake:
Friday, June 13, 2025
5:00–7:00 PM CT
Paradise Memorial Funeral & Cremation Services
7625 W Appleton Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53222

Celebration of Life Service:
Saturday, June 14, 2025
11:00 AM CT (Family Visitation at 10:00 AM)
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church
3456 North 38th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53216
The service will be streamed at 11:00 AM CT / 12:00 PM ET at: www.facebook.com/PRMBC.MilwaukeeWI
Rev. Martin Childs, Jr., Pastor

Interment:
Following the service
Wisconsin Memorial Park
13235 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, WI 53005

Repast:
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall

As we mourn Rev. McCray’s passing, we also rejoice in the legacy she leaves behind—a legacy of faith in action, courageous leadership, and unwavering dedication to the church and the world.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.