Edith Gaydell Williams Ray

MRS. EDITH GAYDELL WILLIAMS RAY

Edith Gaydell Williams Ray, 91, passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020 in Richmond, Va. A native of Suffolk, Va., she was born in 1928 to the late Aulcie T. Williams, Sr. and Alma Watkins Williams. She graduated from the former Booker T. Washington High School and attended Norfolk State College in Norfolk, Va. She was preceded in death by her brothers: Aulicie Williams, Jr., Henderson Williams, Sr. and Romie Williams, Sr.; her sisters Jessie Williams, Alma D. Bryant Boone, and Margaret Williams Garris; and her nephews Henderson Williams, Jr. and Kenneth Williams.

A former member of East End Baptist Church, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at the age of 9, being baptized by Rev. Dr. C. J. Word. While there, she was active in several ministries of the church, including singing in the choir and serving on the church Usher Board. While there, she was co-founder of the 1^st Teenage Usher Board. After her marriage to the late Harold Ray in 1951, she relocated to Norfolk, Va., ultimately joining Campostella Heights Seventh Day Adventist (S.D.A.) Church in 1958 where her membership remains to this day. She served as a Counselor and Deputy Director of the of Pathfinders Club (Girls Division), a member of the Sabbath School and continued to faithfully serve as an Usher and Head Usher of the No. 1 Usher Board. She was a member of the Usher Federation,  Allegheny East Conference of the S.D.A. and 1^st President of the Va. Area Usher Federation.

Out of her love for children, “Ray,” as most people called her, was employed as School Traffic Guard for 14 years with the Norfolk Public Schools. She eventually would respond to a new call to serve as Home Care Companion with the Special Services Division of the City of Norfolk where she served for 29 years. To serve and be of service to others, particularly those in need was her 2^nd greatest joy; being a loving Sister and Aunt gave her the ultimate joy.

She leaves to cherish her memory Nieces: Shirley Diggs (Leroy) of Glen Allen, VA., Pennye Williams of Framingham, MA., Paula Woodruff of Suffolk, VA.; Nephews: Rev. Brendan Boone (Sandra) of Daytona Beach, FL., Victor Williams of Barstow, CA. and Wayne Williams of Suffolk, VA.; Great Nieces: Dr. Arleeta Diggs of Glen Allen, VA., Dr. Deborah James (Michael, Sr.) of Virginia Beach, VA. and Davina Woodruff of Suffolk, VA.; Great, Great Nieces: Aaliyah D. Berry, Malia James; Great, Great Nephews: Aaron D. Berry, Michael James, Jr., and Jackson James; her God-Daughter: Patricia G. Fetterly (Marty) of Suffolk, VA., as well as several cousins and countless friends.