Wendi-Ray-Obituary

Wendi Denise Ray

Birmingham, Alabama

May 28, 1972 – Dec 31, 2012

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BORN
May 28, 1972
DIED
December 31, 2012
LOCATION
Birmingham, Alabama

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Bolton Funeral Home & Pinelawn Gardens - Columbiana Obituary

Ray, Wendi Denise, 40, born on May 28, 1972, of Fourmile, AL, went home to be with her Jesus, on December 31, 2012 at Brookwood Medical Center. Funeral service will be at 11am on Friday, January 4, 2013 at Bethel Baptist Church on Hwy 25 in Columbiana, AL with burial at Pinelawn Gardens in Columbiana. Visitation will be at Bethel Baptist Church on Thursday, January 3 from 4-7pm. Services will be officiated by her Auburn buddy Bro. John Willis.
Wendi was born with Down Syndrome and was given a small chance of survival but she surpassed all expectations. Wendi was a 1992 graduate of Shelby County High School. She went on to travel the United States to compete in Special Olympics national bowling tournaments. She was also a motivation speaker for them. Wendi also loved her Alabama Crimson Tide. Wendi's greatest contribution was Matthew 22:37, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Those of us who were blessed to be on the receiving end of her love have become better people because of it and will not allow her legacy to fade. Though cancer took her hair, her health and her life, it did not take her hope, her spirit or her smile.
She was preceded in death by her Papa, Elmer Bird and Granddaddy, Truitt C. Ray. She is survived by her parents, Larry and Sallie Ray of Fourmile, AL,; her "Bubba" and "Hero" Daryl Ray (Heather); nephew, Parker; niece Elizabeth; ); her precious pup dog, Bama; Nanny, Inez Bird; Grandmother Bobbie Ray and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Please leave your online condolences at www.boltonfuneralhome.com.
Please send flowers or donate in Wendi's memory to the Shelby County Special Olympics, 2379 Freestone Ridge Cove, Birmingham, AL 35226, Attn: Gay Litton or the Breast Cancer Research foundation of Alabama at www.bcrfa.org.

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Kathy Dianne Wallace-

So sorry to hear of your daughter Wendi's passing. We did not know her, but read of her in the paper. I lost my sister to breast cancer Sept. 22, 2011. She was also down syndrome. She died 3 weeks prior to her 50th birthday. She was truly an angel. I know what you must be going through. We were so blessed to have had her in our lives. Like Wendi, my sister Kathy, never lost her spirit and love for life. She smiled every single day, even in no telling what kind of pain she must have...

Dear Sallie and Family,
Wendi was such a true loving spirit. The world was blessed by her presence. I know that you will be lost without her, but I know that she has a special place in Heaven today.
Linda & Andy Walton

Dear Ray family,
Wendi will be greatly missed. I never met anyone that didn't fall in love with her after meeting her. I am so sorry for your loss.

Dear Ray Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Although we are many miles away, we checked Wendi's Facebook page often, and prayed for her as well. We are so sorry for your loss. We pray for comfort and peace for your dear family.

To the Ray Family,
May you find peace,comfort and the strength to endure during this time of grief. May memories of happy and special times be forever in your hearts until you meet Wendi again. I will cherish the years that I had her as a student at Elvin Hill Elem.

Wendi's outlook on life has been such an inspiration to me. Our deepest sympathies to all. We will continue to hold you all in our thoughts, heart and prayers. Love Wyonette Stites, Theresa Nalley, Robert and James Fuller and our families. (Glenda Bird's children)

As this precious angel has left earth to be in her heavenly home, may the Peace of God which surpasses all understanding surround you and the Holy Spirit bring His comfort to carry you. Much love and blessings to you.

What a precious legacy. I pray God blesses her family with comfort and peace during your time of grief.

Wendi was a good friend to me in school. We made each other laugh often. I will always remember her sweetness and kindness.