Shirley Ray

1946 - 2025

Shirley Claudette Ellington Ray went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 4, 2025, surrounded by her family and friends.
She was born on April 3, 1946, to Frank and Virgie Ellington.
On June 7, 1964 she married the love of her life Aubrey Ray.
Her employment career consisted of working in the Entomology Department at Mississippi State University, a secretary, teacher assistant, and reading tutor at Rankin Academy, Charleston Elementary School, Iuka Elementary School, and Starkville School District.
Claudette received the award for the most outstanding non-certified staff member in the Starkville School District, and the Field Artillery Molly Pitcher Award for her volunteer service as a supporter of our military.
After retirement she and her husband enjoyed traveling, seeing all fifty states. She also enjoyed teaching children's Sunday School Classes and Vacation Bible School. She enjoyed home making, gardening, and growing flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Virgie Ellington.
Claudette is survived by her husband Aubrey of sixty-one years; three sons, John (Danielle) of Tupelo MS, Todd of Amory, MS, and Chad of Fayetteville NC. She also had two bonus daughters, Dabnee Slay (Barry) of Cumberland, MS, and Nicole Coleman of Sturgis, MS; grandsons, Chandler and Skyler, both of Iuka, MS, JT Slay (Lakyn) of Decatur, MS, Blake Slay of Cumberland, Lakin of Fayetteville, NC, Lacey of Florence, AL, and twelve great grandchildren; sisters, Francis Reedy of Sturgis, Deborah Ellington of Starkville MS, Kim Edwards of Duncan, MS; her bonus sister, Diane Coleman of Sturgis, MS; and a brother, Gary (Dixie) of Kosciusko MS; along with a bonus brother, John Prisock (Patsy) of Sturgis, MS; along with a host of nephews, nieces, and friends.
She, along with her husband are members of Sturgis Baptist Church.
Services will be held at Sturgis Baptist Church on Wednesday, July 9, 2025; with Rev. Junior Davis, Rev. Brad Creely, Rev. Trent Judon, and Rev. Mark Mayo officiating. Visitation is from 1-3 p.m. at Sturgis Baptist Church.
Serving as pallbearers are Chandler Ray, Skyler Ray, Vance Ray, Wayne Jones, John Prisock, and Ryan Pinnix, David Gray, and Dennis Brewer. Honorary pallbearers are the members of American Legion Post 13.
Burial will be at Craig Springs Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Dr. Dustin Gentry, Winston County Medical Facility, Mrs. Melba Reed and the staff of BeeHive Homes of Louisville, and the Staff of Quality Hospice for all of the compassionate and caring support given to her during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sturgis Baptist Church building fund, Craig Springs Cemetery Fund, Craig Springs Community Church Fund, and Saint Jude Children's Hospital.
You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.