On Thursday, 17 October, at the Rhema Bible Church, family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to honor the life of Pastor Ray McCauley.
Among the attendees, one of the most notable figures was Ray’s second wife, Zelda Ireland, who stood by as the grieving widow.
Clad in black with striking red lipstick, Zelda held the hand of Basetsana Kumalo, a former model and close friend, as she sat in the front row.
Zelda, praised for her unwavering support during Ray’s challenging moments, including his public divorce and controversies surrounding his lifestyle, was admired by many at the service.
Praised by Church Leaders and Family
The memorial service saw prominent figures such as Gauteng MEC Panyaza Lesufi and former minister Tokyo Sexwale in attendance.
Throughout the service, the family of Ray McCauley was acknowledged for their strength and unity.
Ray’s son Josh and his wife Tara, who have been leading the church since 2022, were especially thanked for supporting Zelda during these difficult times.
At Boshoff, a pastor who spoke during the service, delivered a heartfelt message to Zelda.
He addressed her directly, saying, “You were the love of his life. He loved you and treasured you.”
It was revealed that Zelda had been by Ray’s side during his final moments, offering prayers as he passed away.
Though the memorial was focused on Ray’s contributions and relationships, his first wife, Lyndie, was notably absent from any mentions during the event.
Ray McCauley’s Private Life and Marriages
Ray McCauley’s personal life often made headlines, not just for his role as a pastor of a flourishing church, but also for the controversies surrounding his marriages.
In 2000, he announced his divorce from Lyndie, his first wife of over 20 years and the mother of his two children.
A year later, he surprised many by marrying Zelda Ireland after a brief romance.
Ray had publicly shared the challenges of his first marriage, stating that Lyndie had refused to reconcile as recommended by the church elders.
He expressed his sorrow during a sermon, saying, “Lyndie has not found it within herself to follow this counsel. And so, it is with great sadness and regret that I have to announce that Lyndie has initiated divorce proceedings.”
The split caused a rift in the Rhema congregation, with several members leaving the church.
Lyndie later described their marriage as “emotional torture” and characterized Ray as a man prone to anger, adding that he had distanced her from their family.
Reconciliation and Final Years
After a period of separation, Ray and Zelda’s relationship took another turn in 2010 when the church announced their plans to divorce.
However, in 2013, the couple decided to reconcile and remarried, making headlines once again.
As Ray McCauley is laid to rest this weekend, his legacy remains a blend of spiritual leadership and personal controversy.
Through it all, his widow Zelda stood by his side, cementing her place as a pillar of strength in his life.
What’s next for the family and the church remains to be seen, but Ray’s impact on both will undoubtedly be remembered for years to come.
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