OBITUARY: Betty Jean Ray

Betty Jean Ray

Another angel receives her wings. Betty Jean Ray was born in Sylacauga, AL to the late Granville and Hallie Smith.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, 6 brothers, 2 sisters, and 3 sisters-in-law. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin, coworker and more. Betty accepted and served Christ throughout her life. She graduated from her beloved Phyllis Wheatly High School.

In the late 60’s with a spirit of adventure, she found herself in Detroit, Michigan. While there, with her siblings by her side she enjoyed softball, cookout, singing, cooking, church, and quality time with family and friends. In the early 1980s she obtained her accounting degree from Pontiac Business Institute. In 1991 she relocated to Spring Hill, Tennessee with the Saturn Corporation and later retired in 2014 with General Motors. Mother Ray leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 38 years, William Taylor Ray, Jr.; one son, Minister Johnny Smith – Columbia, TN; five daughters, Sherry Ashley – Lutz FL, Evangela “Vangie” Ashley – Spring Hill, TN, Airman Lateefah Daniels of the United State Airforce – Spring Hill, TN, Dalila “Koya” Ray- St. Petersburg, FL, and her “baby girl” Japera Ray – Spring Hill, TN; Two step sons, William Taylor Ray, III – Houston, TX, Gregory Ray- Detroit, MI; One step daughter, April (Anthony) Scott – Columbia, TN; Four sisters, Pauline (John C.) Jamison, Thelma Smith, Rebecca Sue (James) Meridith, all of Detroit, MI, and Maggie (Ben) Crayton of Sylacauga, AL; Three brothers: Freddie Smith, Clyde Smith, and Frank Smith all of Detroit, MI; and a host of grandkids, great grandkids, nieces, nephew, family, friends and the loving congregation of Life Changing Fellowship Church of God in Christ family and the Audley King District.

Celebration services will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Spring Hill Memorial Funeral Home, Pastor Marvin Loggins officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8PM on Friday and two hours prior to service on Saturday. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Memorial Park. Grandsons and family to serve as pallbearers. The family will hold a repast immediately following the burial at the Spring Hill High School cafeteria. Memorial contributions may be made to the Life Changing Fellowship, 401 High St. Columbia, TN 38401. SPRING HILL MEMORIAL PARK AND FUNERAL HOME 931-486-0059 www.springhill-memorial.com