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Sjohnna McCray

at Home

March 07, 1972
June 18, 2023

Age 51

Life story

" On Sunday, June 18, 2023, Sjohnna McCray passed away peacefully surrounded by people who loved him. Sjohnna was a brilliant American Poet who earned a BS from Ohio University, an MFA from the University of Virginia, and an MA from the Teachers College at Columbia University. He is the author of Rapture (2016), winner of the 2015 Walt Whitman Award. His work has appeared in Chicago Quarterly Review, Callaloo, Shenandoah, the Southern Review, and many other publications. Sjohnna was a devoted Husband, Poet, Educator and Essayist. He is survived by his Husband, Michael Whitfield.

Delivery of Flowers are appreciated at home address. "

Celebration of Life

  • Sequoyah Regional Library System, Community Room - 116 Brown Industrial Pkwy, Canton, GA 30114, United States
    Canton, Georgia

    (770) 479-3090

    Get Directions

    June 30, 2023
    02:00 PM - 03:30 PM

Guest Book


  • Micaiah Yhisrael

    12.39 PM 06/30/2023

    "My sincerest condolences to Michael and all of Sjohnna’s friends and family. We met at SCPA and went on to have many Creative Writing classes together. He truly was a bright light in a sometimes heavy and dark world. May his memory be a comfort to many.”

  • Adaris Rivera

    10.09 PM 06/22/2023

    "Dear Michael, My heartfelt condolences go out to you during this incredibly difficult time. The news of Sjohnna’s passing deeply saddened me. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Sjohnna personally, I became acquainted with his soul through the beautiful poems my son David shared with me. It’s remarkable to realize the connection we unknowingly had through his words. Sjohnna’s poetry carried such depth and emotion, and I can only imagine his incredible impact on those who knew him well. May you find comfort in the memories of the love and companionship you shared. Know that you are surrounded by caring hearts, even from a distance. You, my dearest friend, are in my prayers. ❤️”

  • Keyera Rittenberry

    04.25 PM 06/22/2023

    "I did not have the opportunity to meet Sjohnna personally, but I felt as if I knew him from all the stories Michael would tell me. The two of you shared so many memories and adventures. Michael-I wish you all the comfort, courage, and strength during this difficult time.”

  • Lynn Tripsansky

    09.12 PM 06/20/2023

    "Michael, I m truly sorry for your loss. I pray you find peace and comfort in the following days. I love you.”

  • Melanie Whitfield

    07.46 PM 06/20/2023

    "Sjohnna, you have been an absolute blessing in my life. You brought beauty and intellect and gentleness in my world. I am so thankful to have you as my brother-in-law. Fly high our Angel! - Love, Melanie Whitfield”

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Guest Book


  • Micaiah Yhisrael

    12.39 PM 06/30/2023

    "My sincerest condolences to Michael and all of Sjohnna’s friends and family. We met at SCPA and went on to have many Creative Writing classes together. He truly was a bright light in a sometimes heavy and dark world. May his memory be a comfort to many.”

  • Adaris Rivera

    10.09 PM 06/22/2023

    "Dear Michael, My heartfelt condolences go out to you during this incredibly difficult time. The news of Sjohnna’s passing deeply saddened me. Although I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Sjohnna personally, I became acquainted with his soul through the beautiful poems my son David shared with me. It’s remarkable to realize the connection we unknowingly had through his words. Sjohnna’s poetry carried such depth and emotion, and I can only imagine his incredible impact on those who knew him well. May you find comfort in the memories of the love and companionship you shared. Know that you are surrounded by caring hearts, even from a distance. You, my dearest friend, are in my prayers. ❤️”

  • Keyera Rittenberry

    04.25 PM 06/22/2023

    "I did not have the opportunity to meet Sjohnna personally, but I felt as if I knew him from all the stories Michael would tell me. The two of you shared so many memories and adventures. Michael-I wish you all the comfort, courage, and strength during this difficult time.”

  • Lynn Tripsansky

    09.12 PM 06/20/2023

    "Michael, I m truly sorry for your loss. I pray you find peace and comfort in the following days. I love you.”

  • Melanie Whitfield

    07.46 PM 06/20/2023

    "Sjohnna, you have been an absolute blessing in my life. You brought beauty and intellect and gentleness in my world. I am so thankful to have you as my brother-in-law. Fly high our Angel! - Love, Melanie Whitfield”