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BORN
1941
DIED
2016
FUNERAL HOME
Charlene Ray Obituary
Florence, MS
Hearts are broken at the unexpected passing of Marjorie Charlene Phillips Ray of Florence MS on April 30, 2016. Charlene passed away peacefully, surrounded by all of her children and her eternal companion. She was born July 8, 1941, to Alton Knox Phillips and Marguerite Hinton of Richton MS. Throughout her life, she has worn many titles: daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and great aunt to name a few. She dearly loved and cherished them all. It can be said, that she left a legacy of faith and devotion to the Savior, Jesus Christ, through patiently enduring life's trials and gratefully celebrating its triumphs, all while serving others without hesitation throughout her life. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 54 years and was serving in the Florence MS Ward as the music chairman. Throughout her life, wherever she resided with her family, Charlene played the piano and organ in her church as well as serving in other church callings. In each location, Charlene was the "lady behind the music". Her musical gifts were remarkable and legendary to those with whom she served. She also had a gift with business operations and numbers, Charlene spent 27 years at former Miller Wills Aviation in Jackson MS.
Charlene was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Neely, just 20 days earlier and by her mother and father, Alton and Marguerite Phillips and brother, Knox.
She leaves behind her husband, Marshall Ray of 54 years; daughter, Suzanne Reeves; two sons, Phillip and Steve; 7 grandchildren; and 1 great grandchild. The world will miss her "Ray" of light.
Funeral services will be held Thursday May 5, 2016, at 11:00 am central. Services will held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 342 W. Main, Florence, MS 39073. There will be a family viewing Wednesday, May 4th from 5-6 pm central in the same location. And from 6-8 pm central for friends.
Visit www.baldwinleepearl.com to sign the online guestbook.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charlene Ray
Sponsored by Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home.
May 10, 2016
Mr. Ray, please accept our deepest sympathies, for the loss of your wife. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you and your family comfort, in your time of sorrow.
Your Friends,
Dennis & McRee Auto Electric
Tim Bradley
May 6, 2016
Marshall, I am heart broken to have received the news about your sweet Charlene. I always enjoyed our many dinners together at Jerry's Catfish House, all those years ago. I knew Mrs. Ray to be a dedicated, loyal, and fine Christian woman, completely committed to her faith, you and her children. She will be missed by all who have known her.
Marie McGraw
May 5, 2016
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Charlene. I worked with her at the Family History in Clinton. She was a joy to work with. Prayers for the family.
Marie
Rickey Martin
May 5, 2016
So sorry for your loss. I worked with Charlene at Miller Wills many years ago. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Brad Parker
May 4, 2016
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Ray, Steve, and the entire Ray family. She was such a kind person and touched the lives of so many people. I'm so sorry for your loss.
James Chapel
May 4, 2016
So sorry for your lost. Sister Ray will be missed. Just a great lady.
Sally Gaddis
May 4, 2016
My most sincere sympathy to all of her family. Charlene was a blessing in my life and in many others; always sharing her sweet smile and her musical talent.
Christie Nowell
May 4, 2016
I am so sorry! She was such a sweet and a great neighbor! This is so sad! My heart breaks for Mr. Ray and family! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Nancy berry
May 4, 2016
About a year ago I sent out a request to find out who wanted another attempt at the huge family reunion. It was not surprising that since almost all of the older now in their 90's generation has passed or not able to travel and most others have their own smaller family reunions and thought doing the large, large one would not be well attended. Charlene sent me the sweetest note but prefaced it with....Well, I know I am not exactly family, but.... I wrote, back, "Yes you are family, I have never known Neal without you, so yes you are family and I appreciate your input. She wrote back thank you Nancy for saying that. Charlene was an amazingly kind, humble and extremely special person you only had to meet her once to know that. I have always heard God always picks the most beautiful ROSE and this time that was certainly true. She will be missed by many families she touched so gently. Much love to her immediate family as you walk with her spirit in your hearts. Nancy Wightman Berry
Gwendolyn & Dallas Sutton, Sr.
May 4, 2016
When Those we love become a memory, our Memories become a Treasure! We will forever Treasure the fond memories with Charlene and Marshall. Our Heartfelt Sympathy to the Ray Family.
May 4, 2016
May your family find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
Shuna Lee
May 3, 2016
I so enjoyed seeing Charlene at our Tone & Stretch class. I will really miss her. Sweet, sweet lady.
June Sutton
May 3, 2016
Sending my deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow. I will always remember Charlene.
Clyde Perkins
May 3, 2016
Memories of a very sweet lady will be with me. My deepest sympathy is with Charlene's
family.
The Staff of Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home
May 4, 2016
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
ROBERT BLACKMAN
May 2, 2016
MARSHALL I HAVE WALKED IN YOUR SHOES TWO TIMES. SO I CAN RELATE TO YOU. MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH IN THIS DIFFICULT TIME.
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