Darletta Gay McCoy Obituary (1948 - 2017)

Darleta Gay McCoy (Wright), entered into the presence of Jesus on November 19, 2017 at 3:32 am at the age of 69. Gay was born on July 10, 1948 in Quincy, Illinois. She was the daughter of Carroll Wright and Nellie Wright (Emory). She is preceded in death by both her parents, her sister Julianna Cooper, sister Caroline Bartz, brother Bryan Wright, and her husband David McCoy. She attended Quincy High School, studied music at Calvary Bible College, and Tennessee Temple University where she met the love of her life - Pastor David McCoy. They were joined together in marriage in November of 1969 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Before moving to Illinois in 1979, they worked together in ministry in Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and West Virginia. David and Gay were the parents of David McCoy and wife Jennifer of Cambridge, Illinois, Becky Lyons of Decatur, Illinois, Nanelle Hairston and husband JJ of Hobart, Indiana. She was the proud grandma to Courtney, Darla, Josh, Alyssa, Molly, Crisse, Maggie, Calle, Jayme, and Brooke. She was a proud great-grandma to Railynn and Baby Burks who helped welcome her into heaven. She was an aunt/great-aunt to many nieces and nephews and a second mom/grandma to many of her kid’s and grandkid’s friends. Mrs. McCoy as she was called by all her students taught music at Decatur Christian School from 1994 until 2017. She also taught piano and vocal lessons to many students in the area. From a young age, she used her musical talents in a variety of ways from playing in church to singing at state fairs. There was rarely a day that passed where she wasn't singing, playing the piano, the organ, and sometimes even the accordion. Music was her passion and that passion was contagious to every student she taught. Gay McCoy devoted her life to serving Christ. Even through great loss and trials, her positivity would shine though the pain. She was known for her creativity, compassion, hard work ethic, selflessness, and joyful spirit. With every task she was given, whether at work, church, or in her home, she always strived for excellence and most often succeeded. Philippians 4:13 says “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me.” This was her life verse and how she approached every challenge that was placed in front of her. She was truly the rock of her family. She leaves a legacy that will continue to grow through the countless lives she has helped shape. The love that her family and friends have for her is deep, because she loved deeply. Our hearts are truly broken as we now must learn to live life without our precious mother, grandmother, aunt, teacher, and friend here with us, but we take comfort in knowing that we will see her again, and join her in a heavenly choir singing praises to Christ. And as she would say, “Oh! What a Day that Will Be.” The visitation will be held at Riverside Baptist Church 1250 Mound Road, Decatur, Illinois on November 24, 2017 from 5-7 pm. A Celebration of life service will also be held at Riverside Baptist Church on November 25, 2017 at 10:00 am. A graveside service will follow at Graceland Cemetery in Decatur. Memorials can be made to the family. Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care is in charge of the arrangements.