Katherine Louise Ray
August 3, 1920-January 17, 2018
Katherine Louise Ray was born on August 3, 1920 in Batesburg, South Carolina in the maternal family home on Howard Street. She was petite but feisty. And, although she was frail, she rarely missed school and was always eager to learn.
After graduation from high school, Katherine and her first cousin, Ellen Hartley, attended college at Haines Institute (now known as Paine College) in Augusta, Georgia. During this time, they boarded with an uncle to save money, helping with chores. When she returned home on school breaks, Katherine returned to one of the great joys of her young life: playing the piano and organ. In fact, Katherine would go on playing the piano and organ throughout her entire life, both at home and church.
The outbreak of World War II resulted in a severe shortage of male teachers in the classrooms of South Carolina. In order to address this problem, the state allowed women who had completed at least two years of college to teach in elementary schools, using special "emergency" teaching certificates. Katherine acquired one of those certificates and taught in several small towns near Batesburg, living in boarding houses. She would send money home to family members who were caring for her young child, Jeannette.
In 1948, Katherine and Jeannette moved to Toledo, where Katherine married a former soldier, J.C. Ray. They met when he returned to his parents' home in Blackville, South Carolina.
During this time, Katherine was determined to complete her college education so that she could return to teaching. In order to pay for tuition, as well as household expenses to help her new husband, she persistently applied for jobs all around Toledo, relying on public transportation to get her to job interviews. Finally, she was hired at the Rossford Ordinance Depot, working the 4 p.m. to midnight shift as a clerk. This allowed her to attend classes during the day, as well as spend a small amount of breakfast time with her daughter. This stressful schedule continued for more than five years, when Katherine completed all requirements for her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at the University of Toledo. In spite of her hectic schedule, Katherine joined the sorority of Delta Sigma Theta.
In late January of 1959, Katherine began as a first grade teacher at Lincoln School. Thus began her illustrious teaching career! Over a period of more than 30 years, Katherine taught in several different Toledo schools, including Franklin and Elmhurst. She also worked on furthering her formal college education, and earned a Master of Arts degree in Special Education at Eastern Michigan University. In fact, she went on to obtain enough credits to be well on her way to earning a Ph.D.! Along the way, she became quite interested in teaching special students, and trained to become a teacher for visually impaired and blind children. Katherine led and facilitated teaching seminars for other teachers state-wide. Educators turned to her for advice on how best to work with sight-impaired children her entire career and beyond.
Katherine joined All Saints Episcopal Church in 1954, and became quite involved in events and activities of the church, serving as a substitute pianist when needed and on several committees.
Throughout many decades, Katherine became ensconced within Toledo's community and volunteer activities. She joined the League of Women Voters and was a lifelong member of the Toledo and national chapters of American Association of University Women. She was also a member of Church Women United, SamaGama, University of Toledo Alumni Association, and joined several boards over the years for organizations, such as the Health Advisory Board at Toledo's YWCA.
By the 1970's, Katherine was able to convince J.C. to travel outside of the United States on a regular basis with her. They enjoyed great adventures together. Katherine also traveled a great deal with her sister, Clara and friends.
In 1989, Katherine retired from her long-time career as an educator, but still remained involved in education. In 1997, she received the coveted Retired Teacher of the Year award presented at the Toledo Club.
Over the years, Katherine experienced several health challenges, but overcame them. In spite of her physical ailments, she continued to be active and pursue her interests. The last seven years of her life were comfortable at the Kingston Residence of Sylvania, where she made a significant impact on the staff and residents there. Just two years ago, Katherine received a job offer in Iowa to train teachers on how to effectively teach visually-impaired students. Due to her busy schedule at Kingston of socializing, eating and being a new competitive Bingo player, Katherine had to turn them down!
Katherine Louise Ray is survived by her daughter, Jeannette Phillips; son-in-law, Bill Phillips; granddaughters, Veronica and Marguerite and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.C. Ray; her mother, Annie Lou Ramey, and her sister, Clara Jackson.
Should the choice be made, donations can be made to the Ohio Living Foundation (https://www.ohioliving.org/foundation/donate). A memorial scholarship is being developed in Katherine's name through her beloved sorority, Delta Sigma Theta. Please contact Marguerite Phillips at [email protected] for additional information.
Much appreciation and thanks to the staff and nurses at Kingston Residence of Sylvania and Ohio Living Hospice.
Visitation will be Monday 4-7:00 p.m. Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel with Omega Omega service 6:00 p.m., wake service Tuesday 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral service 11:00 a.m. at All Saints' Episcopal Church, The Rev. Bridget E. Coffey officiant. Interment Toledo Memorial Park.
www.dalefh.com
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3 Entries
May God comfort your heart and give you strength each day during this difficult time. 2 Thessalonians 2 : 16,17
January 23, 2018
I also didn't know Mrs. Ray. I read this with great interest. She is an inspiration to people who would say it can't be done. She had determination. I am retired from TPS. I wish I had been privileged to know her.
Joy Gibbs
January 21, 2018
To Jeannette and family: sorry for your lost I didn't know your mom but she sounded like an awesome person and be blessed that you had the opportunity to have her so long. My mom passed when I was 5..may God wrap his arms around you and yours..
Denice Bragg
January 21, 2018
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