Miss Lavern Ray was born December 21, 1929 in Bethel Springs, TN, the first child born to the late Odis and Lessie Mae Causey Ray.
She departed this life on May 10, 2016 in Savannah, TN age the age of 86 years, 4 months, and 19 days. She was a long time member of Mt. Gilead Baptist Church in Bethel Springs, TN. She worked alongside her parents and siblings on the family farm at an early age. In adulthood, she worked for the garment factories in Selmer and retired from Brown Shoe Company in 1991 with 27 years of service. She loved Jesus, her family, church family and many friends. She was the community and family historian, second only to Mrs. Betty Moore Ingram in local knowledge. She recalled the tornado of March 16, 1942 with vivid detail, and rarely missed paying her respects to anyone that she knew who had passed away.
A fine cook and accomplished seamstress, she is survived by four siblings, Clinnon Ray of Jackson TN, Lou Zena Wilson and husband Douglas of Selmer, TN, Doris Ann Wilson and husband Paul of Bethel Springs, TN, and Ward Ray and wife Vickie of Bethel Springs. One uncle, Johnson Ray and wife Wadene of Selmer, TN; 7 nieces and nephews: Sheila Sorrell, Monty Lee Ray, Tim Wilson, Jo Doris Price, Jimmy Ray, Polly Brasher, and Amy Kelley. 6 great nieces and nephews: Chris Ray, Alex Wilson, Ty Wilson, Peter Brasher, Lydia Kelley and Luke Kelley. One great great nephew, Matthew Allen Ray.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by one niece, Donna Wilson Brooks.
Memorials maybe made to: Mt. Gilead Cemetery Fund.
