Virginia Tidwell Ray passed away peacefully February 25th at age 92.
She was formerly a resident of Florence, but had been living most recently in Easton, Maryland. She attended both Birmingham- Southern College and Scarritt College of Nashville.
Beginning what was to be a lifelong career in Christian Education, she initiated the Youth Center at McCoy Methodist Church in Birmingham before moving to Florence in 1959. Her jobs included being the Director of Christian Education at various churches throughout the Shoals area including Northwood United Methodist Church, Tuscumbia United Methodist Church, Sheffield Presbyterian, and Florence First United Methodist Church.
In Florence, she enjoyed the Quilting Guild, the Flower Club, and entertaining friends and family at the home that she and her husband built on Cypress Creek. Virginia will be fondly remembered sitting on the meditation rock on the creek along with one of her collies.
She was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, William R. Ray, Jr. and is survived by her children, Millicent Williams and her husband Edward of Cambridge, Md., Dr. Anne Ray of Columbia, Md., and William F. Ray and wife Susan of Oklahoma City, OK. She is also survived by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held June 29 at 10 a.m. at Florence First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to one of the aforementioned churches or charity of choice.
