It is with sadness that the family of Priscilla Dean Cooper Ray announces her passing on June 12, 2025, at the age of 95. She was surrounded by her two daughters as she passed away in Gallatin, TN. Priscilla, also affectionately known as Pat, was a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, aunt, and sister, leaving behind a legacy of love and faithfulness to God.
Priscilla was born on March 3, 1930, in Eclectic, Alabama to Virginia Wall Cooper and Robert Chester Cooper. She was the oldest of four daughters, having two younger sisters who did not survive beyond birth. She grew up in a cottage on the Tallapoosa River at Yates Dam in Elmore County, AL. She spent her summers picnicking, swimming, and playing basketball, baseball, softball, and tennis. Friends from school asked to come to her house because there were so many fun activities. She also enjoyed reading and sharing books with her best friends. Her favorite genre in books was mysteries. Another one of her favorite activities was roller skating at Yates Dam where her dad was Plant Operator. Priscilla’s parents owned a small grocery store and meat market in Tallassee, AL where she rode her bicycle on most days and helped in the store. Her sister, Billie Jean, liked to tease her by catching bugs and chasing her with them. They were lifelong friends.
Priscilla attended Tallassee Elementary, Tallassee Junior High, and Tallassee High School. She attended Auburn University for one year and met her husband, Harold. They were married on December 29, 1949, and were married 71 years. Their first home was in Tupelo, MS, but the majority of their married years they resided in Huntsville, AL.
Priscilla accepted Jesus as her Savior as a teenager. Her dad teased her when she was going to be baptized and told her not to swim away from the preacher. She faithfully attended church until she was physically unable to go. She loved music and sang in the choir in her younger adult years. Her favorite hymns were “In the Garden,” “How Great Thou Art,” and “Jerusalem.” She and Harold were active members at First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL for many years.
She was known for her love of family, flowers, animals, chocolate, dessert, and hosting many family members and friends. She bowled in a league for many years, winning many trophies and worked as a substitute teacher for fourth grade one year. Her grandchildren especially enjoyed her banana pudding. Priscilla loved to tell jokes and entertain with stories from her childhood. She always had at least one dog, but often two. There were always bird feeders where she loved watching and identifying many species of birds. Her children grew up loving animals because of her. She also played volleyball until Harold (unintentionally) knocked her down three times!
Priscilla is survived by her two daughters, Virginia Ray Thompson of Lebanon, TN, and Carol Ray Revels of Nokomis, FL; grandchildren, Scott Morse (Heather), Brian Thompson (Elizabeth), Amanda Vaughan (Edwin), Wayne Thompson (Sharon), Ryan Revels (Lauren), Rob Revels (Ashley), Kate Stitcher (Cody), and Riley Revels (Kaytea); nine great-grandchildren; twp great-great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews that she cared for very deeply. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert Chester Cooper and Virginia Elon Wall Cooper, husband, Charles “Harold” Ray, her son, Charles Harold Ray, Jr., and her sisters, Billie Jean Coker, Essie Cooper, and Virginia Cooper.
Priscilla will be remembered for her bright smile, spending time with her family for any reason, or, as she said, “no reason at all.” She loved attention and surprises.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church, Huntsville, AL (www.fbchsv.org).
