Vickie Lynn (Smith) McCray, age 78, of [hometown Elizabethton, TN], passed away on May 31, 2026, after a courageous and fierce two + year battle with cancer. She had just celebrated her 78th birthday, a testament to the grace of God that sustained her through every day of her journey.

Mom was the heart of our family. She raised two children, MichaelRoberson and Kristi Roberson-James, in a loving home that taught independence, strength, and thoughtfulness. She was a loving mother-in-law to Jo Ann Roberson. She cherished her role as a devoted grandmother to Jonathan, Dalton, Tyler, and Kaden, spoiling all of her grandsons with abundance of love, laughter, care and food. She is survived by her sister, Patricia Nave, her nephew, William “Bill” Nave, Patricia’s son and her brother, John B. Smith. Her parents, Gilmer Ray Smith, Sr. and Lucy Smith, preceded her in death. She was also deeply loved and by special friends/caregivers including Kathy Hammer,Jennifer Greshaw and Jennifer’s daughters Samantha and Victoria, who were very special to Vickie. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, faith, and welcome, where everyone found a listening ear, loving embrace and a warm meal whether you were hungry or not.

A nurse for more than four decades, Vickie cared for veterans, seniors, the elderly, and the handicapped with a steadfast, compassionate presence. She believed every person mattered in the sight of God and served with excellence, patience, and a tender, healing touch. Her work was not merely a job but a calling—an extension of her faith, lived out in practical love and service to others.

Vickie’s hearty laugh, quick wit, and generous heart brightened every room she entered. She carried a beautiful Christian soul that reflected her deep faith in Jesus Christ. She lived out her beliefs in everyday acts of courage, grace, and mercy: prayers whispered for family members and patients who she cared for, meals shared with family, friends and neighbors, and a quiet, unwavering trust in the God who sovereignly holds her life in His hands. She taught her family to face each challenge with hope, to give freely, and to love boldly, just as Christ loves us.

Her battle with cancer was fierce—and through it all, she remained steadfast in faith. She faced fear with prayer, pain with praise, and uncertainty with a song of praise to her Savior. She drew strength from Scripture and from the prayers of family and friends, and speaking of heaven with a childlike trust and a longing to be in the presence of the Lord she served so faithfully. Even in times of trial, she offered encouragement to others, shared stories that lifted spirits, and kept her eyes fixed on the Christ, confident in the promise of eternal life.

In the words of Scripture, we find comfort and truth: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1). “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9). “Jesus said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12). “For I am convinced that neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). We hold fast to these truths as we mourn, grateful for the radiant light, courageous faith, and boundless love Mom/Mamaw shared.

Per Mom’s/Mamaw’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral service. Instead, we will gather to celebrate her life and steadfast faith with a celebration of her life with fellowship, Scripture, prayers, food, and stories that honor her journey home. The celebration will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Saturday, June 27th, at Grandview Pavillon and Legacy Trail, 2316 Graves Road, Maryville, TN 37803. All are welcome to join us in praising God for the gift of Mamaw’s life and her witness of faith. A meal and time of fellowship will be held to celebrate her life, reflecting her deep love of cooking and bringing people together.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to [Courage Conquering Cancer] in memory of Mom/Mamaw Vickie, reflecting her heart for service and healing. Please RSVP to [Kristi Roberson-James, daughter] if you plan to attend or wish to share a memory or prayer.

May the God of all comfort grant us peace, and may Mom/Mamaw Vickie’s memory be a blessing that inspires us to live with the same fierce faith, unwavering courage, and radiant light she embodied. Until we meet again in the presence of our Savior, may God cradle our family and all who knew her in His divine comfort.