Evelyn Ray

RAY, Evelyn Frost. Age 97. Aug. 26, 2013. Evelyn Elaine Ray was the firstborn child to Clyde Eugene and Nellie Volucia Campbell Frost. She was born Mar. 2, 1916. Aileen, Katherine, Clyde, Jr. and Austin followed making five children in the marriage of Clyde and Nellie. Tragedy struck when Nellie died in 1926, leaving the five children motherless. With the help of family, Clyde, Sr. raised those children alone. He later married Sarah Elizabeth Hayes. That marriage produced eight more brothers and sisters for Evelyn: Betty, Ruth, Glenda, Carolyn, Patsy, Vivian, Tom and Mark. Only Katherine survives of Nellie’s children. All but Glenda survive of Sarah’s children. Evelyn graduated from high school and worked at Dupont for a period in the 1930’s. During this time, her friend from College Grove became her finacee and she married the love of her life, Milton Ray in 1940. They remained married until his death in 1984. Milton and Evelyn adopted their first child, James (Jimmy) Ray in 1948 and she had her own child in 1955, John (Brad) Ray. Both of her sons survive her. She is also survived by Brad’s children and grandchildren, Brandon and Susan and Brandon’s childen, Brodie and Brayten. Evelyn worked occasionally outside the home supporting Milton’s business interest. However, she spent most of her time as a homemaker. She was accomplished in needlework and crochet, was a very good cook, collected art and antiques and enjoyed growing flowers. In her last days she enjoyed watching the traffic outside her window. She loved watching the hummingbirds and butterflys. She had a sincere love of God that revealed itself in her love and helpfulness toward family and others. For the last few years of her life she has lived with Jimmy in College Grove. It was there in his home that she died with Hospice and Jimmy caring for her. Her wish was to die at home in the community she has loved since childhood. Hospice made that possible. She passed peacefully with many family members present. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 AM Saturday from the chapel of Lawrence Funeral Home with Doy Holman officiating. Burial will follow at Triune Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home, Fri., Aug. 30, 2013 from 4PM – 8PM.

LAWRENCE FUNERAL HOME and CREMATION SERVICES, Chapel Hill, TN, 931-364-2233, www.lawrencefuneral.net in charge of arrangements.