Holly Springs Funeral Home

Dorothy Carey Rather Crain

Dorothy Carey Rather Crain, 72, of Holly Springs, passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Desoto, on August 6, 2024.  She was born in Memphis, on January 20, 1952, to John Edward Rather Sr and Dorothy Powers Rather.  Carey was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and a retired science teacher.

Carey is survived by her daughter, Dr Sarah Frances Crain of Olive Branch, and a son, Donald Allen Crain Jr (Liz Ann) of Phoenix, Arizona.  She also leaves a grandson who was the light of her life, Theodore “Teddy” Allen Crain, a sister, Marie Rather McClatchy and her husband CB, and a brother, Dr John Edward Rather Jr and wife JoLinda, as well as several much-loved nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.  Carey was preceded in death by her husband of thirty two years, Donald Allen Crain Sr, and a grandson, Henry Augustus Crain.

Carey, a much-loved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt, loved spending time with the family she adored, and with the friends who meant so much to her.  “Ya Ya”, as she was known as to her grandson, and “KK”, as she was called by her nieces and nephews, loved her home and also enjoyed travel, baseball, mystery books, musical theater, horse racing, and seafood. A graduate of Mississippi State University (where she was known as “Queenie”), Carey was an avid Bulldog fan and was an alumnae of Delta Gamma.  Her dedication to her church and church family were a main focus in her life, and were a guiding strength in all that she did.  Carey’s love for teaching was a source of pride, as she often remembered all the lives she touched, and all who touched her life during her thirty four year teaching career, which included numerous years at Marshall Academy, New Albany High School and Potts Camp School.

Funeral services for Carey will be held on Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 2:00 pm, at Christ Episcopal Church in Holly Springs.  The family will receive family and friends at a visitation on Saturday afternoon, August 10, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, at the Holly Springs Funeral Home.  Burial, following the funeral service will be in Hill Crest Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Christ Episcopal Church (PO Box 596, Holly Springs, MS  38635), the Palmer Home for Children (800 Baldwin Road South, Lake Cormorant, MS 38641), or to the charity of one’s choice.

Please leave your condolences for the family below in the guest book by filling out the form below.  Your message will be published after review.
Name:


Message:




Name:
Helen Mason

Date:
8/8/2024 6:29:03 PM

Message:
Dear family,
I write my condolences with a saddened
heart having lost one of my dear teacher friends. Carey was a wonderful person and a superb teacher. I am lifting up this family in my prayers and will continue to remember you all with love.


Name:
Regina Hudson Birrenkott

Date:
8/8/2024 10:58:31 PM

Message:
Carey was such a wonderful DG sister and friend at MSU. She always had a twinkle in her eye and kept all of us laughing in good times and bad. Sending love, condolences and prayers for peace to her family. She was loved and will be missed by all of us.


Name:
Andrea Faulkner

Date:
8/9/2024 4:48:51 PM

Message:
You will always be in my heart.


Name:
Brandon Lail

Date:
8/9/2024 5:38:36 PM

Message:
Mrs. Crain was wonderful teacher. She wasn't always the easiest teacher, but she certainly cared for her students and did her best to teach. I am very glad I got to see her in November of 2022 - had not seen her since I graduated from Marshall Academy in 1989. It was fun catching up with her. She will be missed. God bless and keep her family during this time.


Name:
Anna Owens

Date:
8/9/2024 7:29:58 PM

Message:
Mrs. Crain was one of the most unique and intelligent women I've ever met. She was a wonderful mentor for me while I was in school, and continued to be a light in my life for so many years! She will always be remembered in our small town. Praying for the family during this time.


Name:
Patrice Greene Herring

Date:
8/9/2024 10:21:45 PM

Message:
Carey was a dear person and great teacher. We are so sorry for her passing as her family and friends will miss her.Gods live and grace be with you all.


Name:
Curran and Darlene Carnell

Date:
8/10/2024 3:24:44 PM

Message:
May God give this family strength and peace. We are here if y’all need anything .
????????


Name:
James C. Farris (Turkey)

Date:
8/11/2024 2:45:45 PM

Message:
May the memory of Carey be a blessing to all of you forever be a blessing. I will always cherish and remember her forever in my heart as a friend, teacher and mentor. You all are in my thoughts and prayers today and always.


Name:
Rob Simpson

Date:
8/15/2024 11:49:21 PM

Message:
My sincere condolences to the Crain family. I just heard the news of her passing. Carey was always incredibly friendly to me in my years at Marshall. Her reputation as a firm, fair, and consistent educator was admirable. It achieved the desired results. A class act. Your family is in my prayers in the days ahead.