Martina S. Mccray

Martina "Tina" S. McCray was born on January 21, 1955, the oldest daughter of Jiggs and Marie McCray, in Gallup, New Mexico at St. Mary's Hospital. She would have six brothers and one sister. Tina was a member of the Navajo tribe. Her clan was the Mountain Cove People (Dzitttahnii) born for the Towering House People (Kinya'aanii). Her paternal grandparents were from the Black Streaked Wood People (Tsi'naajinii') and her maternal grandparents were from the Water's Edge People (Ta'b'aaha').

In her formative years, she and her brothers stayed at Manuelto Hall Dormitory and she attended Eileen Rhoades Elementary School. Later she attended Gallup Junior High, then Gallup Senior High, home of the "Bengals", graduating in 1974.

Upon completion of her high school education, she was employed at the Gallup School District. In 1980, she moved to Denver to attend Barnes Business College and would visit New Mexico often.

In 1987, sadly, her younger sister Vernie was killed in an automobile accident. Tina then adopted Vernie's only child, Ashleigh, who was a one and a half years old. Tina and her sister Vernie were extremely close and Vernie's passing was especially hard on her. She was also very close to Ashleigh. Tina was working for Legal Services at this time and also met her future husband, Douglas.

Tina and Douglas lived together until getting married on the 9th of July, 1999.

In 1991, Tina started work for the Mexican American State Legislatures Policy Institute, or M.A.S.L.P.I, working for and with State Senator Bob Martinez. Senator Martinez helped Tina to obtain a job as Secretary to the Senate Minority in 1995.

On March 23, 1993, their daughter Fatima Marie was born. Tina loved both of her daughters very much. She was active in both of their formative years, through grade school and high school. She organized educational opportunities and trips overseas and abroad for both girls.

Tina's position at the State Capitol allowed her to work on projects, in conjunction with the Senators, that are still in use today. Tina's accomplishments as part of the Senate Minority Staff and later under State Senator Stan Matsunaka, Senate Majority Staff, were too numerous to mention. However, her work did have an impact in a positive way in Colorado Politics.

In 2005, Tina started employment at the Department of Regulatory Agency or D.O.R. A. as a Medical Licensing Specialist, where she worked until her passing.

On April 15, 2016 Tina and Douglas's granddaughter was born, Evalyn Marie Jarles. This was the new light in her eyes as she adored "Miss Evalyn". Tina's long term plan was to retire and then care for Miss Evalyn full time, which she would describe in detail. Miss Evalyn will miss her.

Tina was preceded in death by her parents, Jiggs and Marie; her sister, Vernie; and her brother, Victor (Ziggy) McCray.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas; her daughters, Ashleigh and Fatima Marie; granddaughter, Evalyn Marie; brothers, Tony, of Gallup, David of Crown Point, LeRoy, of Gallup, Patrick of Denver and Steven, of Gallup. Tina is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins (Herm is one).

The family would like to thank these folks that not only had a personal connection, but also helped us: Tanya Kelly, Danielle Radavich, Norma Anderson, State Senators Mike Feeley, Ed Perlmutter, Stan Matsunaka, Dennis Gallagher, Bob Martinez and numerous other Senators as well.

Due to Covid-19 Restrictions, the family understands you may be unable to attend these functions. In the future, when Covid-19 restrictions are lifted, a public memorial service will be held. Please refer to this site for updates.