Miss Erica Shunte’ White Ray was born on March 3, 1973, in Forrest County (Hattiesburg), Mississippi. Her parents are Mrs. Brenda Joyce White Wilkerson and the late Mr. Franklin Bell Nicholson. She was the firstborn of two children. Her brother, Jeremiah Lamont Wilkerson, and stepfather, Robert Thomas Wilkerson preceded her in death. Her grandparents are Mr. Martin Luther White Sr. and Mrs. Josie Mae Holloway.
During her early years, she confessed hope in Christ at the First Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Dr. Julius R. Scruggs.
Erica received her former education under the Prentiss, Mississippi and Huntsville, Alabama public school systems. She attended Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University and Drake Technical College both in Huntsville, Alabama. She once owned her own business “City Beauty Supply”. Her former employers were Quali-Tech Properties, Huntsville International Airport, Huntsville City School System, and the Food Service Industry. She was also a realtor in this community.
Our beloved Erica leaves to cherish her memories: Her mother, Brenda Joyce Wilkerson, Huntsville, Alabama; Her children, four sons: Channing Alexander White, Huntsville, Alabama; Carrington Maurice White, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Dontrell Corlias Woods and Sun Rajon Woods, Huntsville, Alabama; Half siblings, five brothers: Franklin (Chrystal) Nicholson and LeArchie (Lashunti) Nicholson, Oakvale, Mississippi; Lebell Nicholson, Chattanooga, Tennessee; Martin (Sharmaine) Nicholson, Dallas, Texas; and Vincent Nicholson, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Two sisters: Shulanda (Brickley) Tillman and Oshunda Lee, Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, and Joe Martin, a special friend.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Union Hill Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America (3126 Nevel Drive NW, Huntsville, AL 35810) with Reverend Ozell White as eulogist and Dr. Edward L. Anderson officiating. Interment will be in the Meadowlawn Garden of Peace. Ms. Ray will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 1, 2023, at the Royal Funeral Home.
