Fern McRae, 65, was born to the late Silas McRae Sr. and Thelma Craddock, on May 31, 1955, in Neptune, New Jersey.  She departed this life on November 17, 2020, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Fern graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1973 and received a Master of Science degree in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University in 1993.

Fern retired from the State of New Jersey, Department of Community Affairs with 31 years of public service. After retirement, she worked as a former Public Assistance Project Specialist with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – FEMA. Fern demonstrated empathetic leadership while working with families who were affected by natural disaster. Fern’s commitment to serving the community was admirable. She unselfishly contributed her talents in support of others. Fern was a fellow of the Neighborhood Leadership Initiative where she tapped into her call for community organizing. She served as a member of the Ms. Foundation for Women where she brought attention to the challenges that faced women in her community. She was a dedicated volunteer with Isles, Inc. where she helped to revitalize communities throughout the City of Trenton and served as a shop steward for CWA Local 1039. She was an advocate, mentor, and support to everyone. Fern enjoyed traveling and spending time with her grandchildren and close friends. She was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind beautiful memories. 

Fern is preceded in death by her daughter; Jessica McRae, sister Diana Pour, and brothers Major Wright McRae and Silas McRae Jr., She leaves behind the following to cherish her memories: three children: Dr. Dawn McRae, of Ewing, NJ; Kevin McRae, of Winston-Salem, NC; and Jason McRae, of Winston-Salem, NC; three grandchildren, Shannan McRae, of Trenton, NJ, Tatiana McRae-Vinson, of Douglassville, PA, and Jaden McRae, Durham, NC; two sisters, Linda McRae of Trenton, NJ and Paula McRae of Bordentown, NJ; one niece, nephews and loving friends.