In Loving Memory of
CiCi Hunter McCoy
of Tigard, Oregon
05/10/1943 – 03/21/2025
The heavens welcomed a literal saint on March 21, 2025, when Celia “CiCi” McCoy peacefully passed away at the age of 81. Though she left this world, her light, love, and legendary capacity for grace will forever remain.
Born in New York City on May 10, 1943, Josephine Victoria Cecilia Catherine Tamraz, to Francis “Frank” Tamraz and Marie Ostop. In 1946, after her parents’ divorce, she was adopted by her Assyrian great aunt and uncle Joel and Audrey Tamraz, who raised her and her brother Joel on their grape vineyard and farm in Ceres, California.
As a girl, she was an accomplished athlete playing field hockey and tennis. She had a lifelong love of singing and earned a coveted solo in her local Christmas pageant. She spent her early adult life in Los Angeles during the vibrant 1960s. After having her first three children, she moved to Oregon in 1972.
CiCi lived a life as colorful as her spirit. She had a lifelong career as a server for over 50 years, built strong bonds with those she met, and held many fascinating roles — working in a nut factory, go-go dancing for Tina Turner, talent agent, avid farmer, 4-H leader, natural birth advocate, pageant coach, and mentor to countless young women.
She loved dancing, throwing legendary parties, collecting records, vintage clothes, and hats, as well as theater, cooking, baking, and crafting.
Her greatest role was Mother. Momma CiCi gave birth to 8 children, adopted 2 more, and was grandmother and great-grandmother to more than 30, creating a family overflowing with love, laughter, and treasured memories.
She found enduring love with her husband, Willie June McCoy, and built a home full of strength, joy, and unwavering support. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy.
CiCi believed in the goodness of people, forgave easily, loved deeply, and lived fiercely. Her sassy attitude, sharp wit, and huge heart defined her — and made her unforgettable to anyone lucky enough to know her.
She is survived by her brother Joel Tamraz; her husband Willie June McCoy; and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren:
- Scott Luper, wife Christie, and children: Dylan, Audrey, Emery, Katie, and Patrick
- Robin Spear, husband Steve, and their children: Stephanie, Sarah, Ben, and Lindsay
- Charles Nelson, wife Verla, and their children: Cooper, Nyyah, Kaytlynn, and Dezirae
- Jason Oefelein, wife Brooke, and sons: Dayton and Kaleb
- Nikesha Breeze and her children: Makaiah and Samka
- Celeste Horne and her children: Alex, Manuel, Kymberleigh, and Michael
- Steven Hunter, wife Kimberly, and their daughter: Grace
- Aryanna Wagner, husband Lee, and their children: Donovan, Camryn, Atlee, and Everett
- Stepson Adrien Hunter, wife Jordan, and their child: Kelsey
- Stepson Jamonte McCoy
She was also beloved by her great-grandchildren: Alex, Lilly, Orion, Mateo, and Zayne.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents and her infant daughter, Cianna Autumn.
A Celebration of Life for CiCi will be held:
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:20 PM (Pacific Time)
Location: Metzger Park Hall, 8400 SW Hemlock St, Portland, OR 97223
We’ll gather in love, laughter, and memories to reflect on the joy CiCi brought into our lives. Whether you knew her for a lifetime or a moment, your presence means the world.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages acts of kindness in her honor — forgive freely, love fully, and extend compassion. Donations to her loving husband, Willie June McCoy, can be made via Cash App ($williejunemccoy) or Zelle (Willie June McCoy – 503-619-6193).
Memories, photos, and tributes can also be shared at www.thelifeofcici.com.
