Funeral services for Mrs. Carolyn Irene McRaney were conducted at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Saulters Moore Funeral Chapel with her son, Rev. Len McRaney, officiating. 

Interment followed in the Lonestar Cemetery. 

Mrs. McRaney, age 90, entered into the eternal rest of her Lord early Tuesday morning, Oct. 29, 2024, in Long Beach. 

Saulters Moore Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

The family received friends Monday morning, Nov. 4, beginning at 9 a.m. until the hour of service at 11 a.m. at Saulters Moore Funeral Home.

Carolyn Irene McRaney was born Aug. 8, 1934, to Carroll and Ruby Loftin.

She graduated from Prentiss High School on April 13, 1953.

She was appointed as a clerk at Prentiss City Hall in 1971 and appointed Prentiss City Clerk 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 and 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 and encouragement as she declined in health.

Special thanks to Prentiss Methodist Church and Lone Star Methodist Church for the cards, letters, calls and visits that were a source of joy.   

Gifts may be given to a “Christmas Box” ministry, or to Coalville UMC “Christmas Box” ministry, 12298 Shorecrest Road  Biloxi, MS 39532.    

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