Mr. Rocellous F. McCreary, Jr.
On April 17, 1952, God gave the gift of a precious son to the late Pastor Rocellous Franklin McCreary Sr., and Juanita Simpson McCreary whom they lovingly named Rocellous Franklin McCreary Jr.; after his earthly father. He was called to Glory on Thursday evening, March 18, 2021 at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC. He resided in Mitchellville, Maryland for 26 years. His wife of 23 years, Marie Inez Johnson McCreary preceded him in death.
Rocellous “Franklin” as he was called by friends and family, and by many other nicknames such as “Bull”, “Pop”, and “Booboo” was a kind, loving and gentle spirit where he spent his childhood life in Evergreen, Alabama. He attended Evergreen High School where he was one of the first five African American students to integrate the Conecuh County School System. While this challenge was daunting, he persevered and achieved the status of an honor student. He also participated as a member of the National Beta Club, the Evergreen High School Marching Band, and the Drama Club. He also enjoyed playing basketball and was a guard on the varsity basketball team. He was an excellent student and was considered as one of the most gifted students to graduate from Evergreen High School in 1970.
Rocellous “Franklin” grew up with a strong spiritual background and accepted Christ at the early age of nine. He was baptized and served as a junior usher and junior choir member at First Baptist Church in Evergreen, Alabama. His spiritual training continued while attending his father’s church; First Missionary Baptist Church in Greenville, Alabama.
Rocellous “Franklin” was also a graduate of Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and received a B.S. in Marketing and Accounting, 1974; a M.A. in Business and Marketing, 1976; a Juris Doctorate Law Degree in 1979. He was also a member of the Alpha Sigma Chapter, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and the Pershing Rifles military drill team.
Rocellous “Franklin” was in the Navy ROTC. He later entered active duty in August, 1974 and served honorably until January 1978.
While serving in the Navy he was stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana.
After graduating from Law School in 1979 he worked at Cane Law Firm in Baton Rouge, LA. He later started his own successful commercial cleaning business; M&M Services, Baton Rouge, LA. He relocated from Louisiana to Maryland in 1986 where he worked for the Levi and Red Cross Law Firms.
Rocellous “Franklin” for those who knew him well, had the true “gift of gab”. He was also a big advocate of educating the minds of young people, and devoted his time trying to help others by passing on his knowledge in the classroom. He taught school at Pensacola Junior College (Pensacola, FL), Largo Community College (Upper Marlboro, MD) and Bowie State University (Bowie, MD). He was also an avid reader of the Bible and different books that enlighten the soul and mind. He later worked at Education Etc. (Largo, MD) before retiring.
Brother Rocellous McCreary Jr. loved the Word of God and his church. He was ordained as a minister at Faith Missionary Baptist Church (Capitol Heights, MD) on January 9th, 2007 and was an inspirational Bible study instructor.
Rocellous “Franklin” was devoted to his family and leaves memories to be cherished by his beloved mother, Juanita S. McCreary of Evergreen, AL; children, Rocellous F. McCreary III (Tina) of Brewton, AL, Joseph N. McCreary (Candance) of New Iberia, LA and Shimeka A. McCreary-Maize (Darius) of Atlanta, GA. He also leaves to cherish his memories his first wife, Shirley Brown of New Iberia, LA; their 17 grandchildren, Xeves, Jerneisha, Dominique, Jasmine, Shirley’sha, Ja’Quasha, Brianna, Rocellous Franklin IV, La’Darius, Darius, Robin, Jeremiah, Ja’Zyria, Joseph Jr., Journae, Bryson and Cyn’Toya; four great grandchildren, Jacoby Jr., My’Angel, Josiah, Xeno; one brother, Harold McCreary of Pensacola, FL; two sisters, Janice McCreary-Watson (Charlie) of Bowie, MD and Gwendolyn “Joyce” McCreary-Yates (Louis) of Glenn Dale, MD; three nephews, Justin Watson (Ashley) of Bowie, MD, Miles Yates (Jasmine) of Glenn Dale, MD and Martin Yates (Ausha) of Evergreen, AL; one aunt, Florence Gates of Evergreen, AL; two uncles, Ras McCreary of Evergreen, AL and Richard McCreary Jr. (Barbara) of Chicago, IL; 14 first cousins; others whom he loved dearly as family Royal Hawkins, Cierries, Angela, Gary, Brandon, Joshua, Asia and a host of aunts, uncles, other relatives, church members and friends.
To the McCreary Family,
You have our deepest sympathy today and always. . Rocellous Jr. was a wonderful person and you will find much peace in the beautiful memories he left behind.. He was beloved and well thought of by family, especially his brother Harold; of whom I had the pleasure of meeting in a Pensacola hospital. Rocellous Jr will certainly be missed by family, the people of Conecuh County, and far, far, beyond.
Mrs. Presley was our classroom teacher at Lime Hill Jr. High School
With Love,
Celestine Salter and siblings Charlie, Maxine, Elfreida, Delois, and Vida Lee
CELESTINE SALTER
We, the family of ROCELLOUS FRANKLIN MCCREARY JR., would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all of you who, through deeds of kindness and expressions of sympathy, brought comfort to us during these days and hours of bereavement. The many prayers offered, condolences, messages, and flowers are all kindly received. Your thoughts and prayers have truly helped to strengthen our hearts. Thank you and may God bless each of you.
Presley-Fluker
Deepest condolences to you, my family. May the Most High be with you all during this time and always!!
Blessings....