McClune
UNDATED — The Rev. Cassandra Carter McLune, affectionately known as “Chris,” was born on August 3, 1953, to the late Marvin Carter, Sr., and the late Lora Louella Carter. She peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, October 23, 2025, after a lengthy illness.
The Rev. Carter accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, beginning a lifelong journey of faith and service. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her beloved grandsons Zachariah Tee Pinnix and Grace Pinnix; sisters Mamie “Sandra” Mitchell and Vivian Gilchrist; brother Thomas Hall; aunts Lillian Hall, Mildred Cooper, Leola Green, Ruby Dale, Corine Allen, Christine Martin, and uncles William Green, Marion Carter, Jr, Calvin Carter, and Felton Carter.
The Rev. Carter received her education in the Brantley County and Camden County school systems, and was a member of the Waycross Senior High School Class of 1972. Throughout her career, she served in various capacities, including with the Ware County school system, the Social Security Administration, Goodwill Industries, as a certified nurse’s assistant, and as a Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Supervisor.
Her compassion for others was unmatched — she genuinely cared for people and would give the very shirt off her back to anyone in need. The Rev. Carter deeply loved her family. Her children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren were truly the light of her life. She took great joy in spending time with them, celebrating their milestones, and cheering them on in every season. She also enjoyed playing games on her tablet, often challenging herself to beat her previous scores.
Her playful spirit and determination shone through even in those simple moments, reminding everyone around her joy could be found in both the big and small things of life. Frying seafood was one of her many gifts, and she was affectionately known by family and friends as “Fry Fish Chris.” She loved preparing delicious meals and baking cakes, especially during holidays and family gatherings. Her kitchen always was filled with laughter, love, and fellowship, as everyone knew they could count on her for good food and even better company.
Also known affectionately as “The Songbird of Waycross,” Chris’s musical journey began early. She sang alongside her brother Tommy Hall in his group “Wild and Peaceful,” performing background vocals for the nationally recognized recording group Blood, Sweat & Tears — even singing at the White House.
Later, the Rev. Carter devoted her gift to gospel music, ministering in song across the nation. Her anointed voice opened doors and touched hearts wherever she went. She sang both lead and background for numerous groups, traveling far and wide to share her ministry.
The Rev. Carter transitioned from singing for the world to singing and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the world. She also hosted many gospel events, inviting groups such as The Wandering Angels, The Sensational Tones, Gospel Superior, The Heavenly Kings, Gospel Truth, and The West Singers — especially during her anniversary celebrations.
Her ministry extended throughout Georgia, where she accepted every invitation to sing or preach — never concerned about payment. She poured out her heart in song and sermon until her health required her to rest.
The Rev. Carter became a dedicated member of Powerhouse of Faith Ministries under the leadership of Elder Ronnie L. McGhee, where she grew under his dynamic preaching and leadership. In 2000, she became a Local Preacher in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church at Magnolia C.M.E. Church in charge of the Moultrie-McRae-Brunswick District, South Georgia Annual Conference.
She served faithfully as Armorbearer and Local Pastor under the Rev. R.L. Tresvant for four years, until his passing. In 2002, she was ordained by Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey at the South Georgia Annual Conference in Fitzgerald, Ga.. The Rev. Carter went on to pastor Corner Stone Ministry in Folkston for two years, and later served as Associate Pastor at Oak Hill United Methodist Church in Tarboro, Ga., for three years.
Her passion for education was equally inspiring. In 2003, she earned a Certificate in Process Control and Manufacturing Technology with a 4.0 GPA. Later that year, the Rev. Carter was invited by the Director of International Missions to attend the International Mission on Engineering in China.
In 2008, the Rev. Carter graduated with honors from Coastal Georgia Community College, earning an Associate of Science Degree in Education. She was a member and later President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Omicron Omega Chapter. Maintaining a 3.75 GPA, she received a Certificate of Academic Excellence each year at the college’s Honors Night ceremony. Remarkably, the Rev. Carter accomplished all of these academic milestones while in her mid-50s, a testament to her determination, faith, and commitment to lifelong learning.
Her commitment to service extended into her community, earning her six Presidential Volunteer Service Awards (100 hours each) signed by the President of the United States. Her name appeared on the National Dean’s List annually, for which she received a special plaque recognizing her academic distinction. She later attended Armstrong Atlantic State University, where she was just one course shy of completing her Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice. The Rev. Carter faithfully led as Pastor of “Song of Praise Ministries” in Hortense, and for more than 45 years, she carried out Street Ministry across Baxley, Brunswick, Waycross (on Oak Street), Woodbine, Hinesville, and surrounding counties.
She ministered wherever God called her — bringing her karaoke machine, microphone, performance track CDs, and speakers to share the Word and uplift souls beyond church walls. Her evangelistic ministry drew souls from the streets and guided them into the loving fellowship of the congregations she faithfully served alongside. Her ministry was truly boundless, marked by humility, boldness, and the undeniable power of the Holy Spirit.
The Rev. Cassandra “Chris” Carter McLune was indeed a very beautiful and powerful Woman of God, a devoted preacher, singer, scholar, and servant whose legacy of love, compassion, and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her. Her voice may be silent on earth, but she is now joyfully singing in the heavenly choir.
She leaves to cherish her memory: her faithful and devoted husband of 25 years, Joel McLune; daughters, the Rev. Dr. Zandra Harris Pinnix (the Rev. Thomas, Jr.) and Lora Priscilla Medlock; sons, Collie Demond Harris (Charzetta) and McKenneth “Ranny” Medlock, Jr.; grandchildren, La’Drevious Juwon Medlock, Jaydia Uni’Que Powell, and Khali DeJuan Harris; great grandchildren, Jaiden Johnson, Nyla Johnson, La’Riah Skye Medlock, and Jahavi Medlock. She also is survived by her sisters, the Rev. Verdell Long (the Rev. Harvey, Sr.), Willie “Tina” Thomas, Pamela Everett, Vancreatia Carter, Marcia Myers, and Theresa McGriff; brothers, Donnie Carter, Ivory Carter, Terrance Carter, Grant Hall, Marvin Carter, Jr. (Desiree), and Greg Southall; aunts, Bettye Waller and Bobbi Burks; special sister friends, Charlene Ray Benjamin, Virginia Durham, Linda Mercer Stewart, and Patricia Thomas; godchildren, Lola Bowden and Joey Oliveras; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and ministry colleagues who will forever treasure her life and legacy.
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
— 2 Timothy 4: 7
