Margaret Elizabeth Kennedy Ray

RAY Margaret Elizabeth Kennedy Ray, "Betsy," passed away peacefully on April 2, 2009 at the age of 84 in Atlanta, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Blacksher Calhoun Ray, Jr. in 2003. Beloved mother and grandmother, Betsy is survived by two daughters and their families: Tricia Ray Igleheart and husband, Brid, of Atlanta, and grandsons Austin Igleheart and Ryan Igleheart; and Jean Ray Jacob and husband Michael, of West Lafayette, Indiana, and grandchildren David Jacob, Catherine Coburn, and Adam Jacob, and great grand-daughter, Madison Jacob. Surviving also are two sisters: Jean Kennedy Curran and Martha Kennedy Falk, of Jacksonville, Florida, and a brother, Stetson Kennedy, also of Florida, and numerous much loved nieces and nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. All who knew her will remember her devotion to her family and friends, her quick wit and energetic spirit, and her warmth and graciousness. Betsy was born February 12, 1925 in Jacksonville, Florida and moved with her husband and children to Albemarle, North Carolina in 1954. Betsy spent happy years dedicated to her family and the community while living in Albemarle. She worked to reinstate a Girl Scout Troop and filled the position of Troop leader for many years. She served on the Stanly County Girl Scout Council for twenty years. She will be remembered for her complete "hands on" involvement in the life of the girls and their scout activities, such as camping trips, cookie sales, field trips, and educational experiences. Betsy also founded a Teen Cotillion program in Albemarle, which focused on etiquette, dance, and social opportunities for the youth of the community. She was known for her devotion to her daughters and their friends during these years. When Betsy moved back to her home state of Florida in 1978, she immediately became active in the Amelia Island community. She served on the Board of Directors of the Amelia Island Museum, where she created a museum gift shop and volunteered as Museum hostess. She was a founding member of the Amelia Community Theatre and volunteered in the local hospital. After the death of her husband, Betsy moved to Atlanta in 2004 to be near her daughter and family. She has resided at Mt. Vernon Towers Retirement Community, where she became an active volunteer in several capacities. She enjoyed very special friendships there over the past five years. A memorial service to celebrate her life is planned for Saturday, April 11th , 2009 at Mt. Vernon Towers Retirement Community at 11:00 a.m. Visitors will be greeted beginning at 10:30 a.m. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either The Girl Scouts of America or The Boy Scouts of America. Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com