Mary Lena Ray

Mrs. Mary Lena Saunders Ray age 81, a long time resident of Northfork, WV departed this life on Sunday, August 20, 2023 in Bluefield, WV.  Mary Lena as she was known by was born May 2, 1942 in Algoma, WV and the daughter of James and Mary (Smith) Saunders.  She was a 1961 graduate of Elkhorn High School and a life long member of First Missionary Baptist Church in Northfork.  Until failing health, she faithfully served as an Usher, Sunday School teacher and Treasurer also, a member of the Choir and the Kitchen Committee.  In earlier years, she was an active member of the Order of Eastern Star.  Mary Lena was a devoted homemaker to her family and had worked as a clerk at the Discount Variety Store and was a cook and child care provider at the Paul Miller Shelter both in Northfork. For approximately 30 years, she was an Avon Representative.  Mary Lena absolutely loved caring for children and cooking.  She never met a stranger and had the most caring, loving heart and the brightest smile.  She was preceded in death by her parents and six of her children:  Victor, Conrad, Daniel, Deena, Greg and Sherry and three of her siblings: Shirley, Jim and William.  Mary Lena leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband for more than 61 years, Curtis Donald Ray Sr., their children:  Curtis D. (Alicia Craighead) Ray Jr., of Bluefield, WV,  Kimberly Rasheed  of New York, Torrance K. (Sonyette) Ray of Maybeury, WV, Lemoyne "LJ" (Elizabeth) Ray of Harrisburg, PA, Chris Rushing of Pocahontas, VA, Marqus (Toya) Ray Sr., of Bluefield, VA, Vickwan "Vic" Ray of the home; a special son, Rodney Hairston of Elkhorn, WV and special daughter, Carolyn Ingram of Bluefield, WV; her siblings:  Robert (Neva) Saunders of Jacksonville, FL, Eleanor (Al) Burks of New York, Bonita (Ralph) Washington of Detroit, MI and Shirlene Perkins of Cleveland, OH; her grandchildren: Kionna, Don'elle, Brittany, Kishawna, A'niyah, Marqus Jr., Tariq, Markelle, Derek, Aliah and Azaree and two great-grands, Avant and Ely; a host of nephews, nieces and cousins; her three special friends, Edith Allen, Vanessa Wilkes and Angie High.  Mrs. Mary Lena Saunders Ray's Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at First Missionary Baptist Church in Northfork with Pastor Eugene Watson officiating.  Interment will follow in Restlawn Memorial Gardens, 6605 New Hope Road in Bluewell, WV.  Her Sons and Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM until the time of Service at the Church.  Services entrusted to Gregory-Page Funeral Home in Welch.             

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