Anna Ray

Anna, aged 24, was taken too soon in a car accident on June 21, 2023, in Suffolk Virginia.
Anna was born May 28, 1999, in Virginia Beach, VA. She is survived by her parents Lamar Ray and Janice Gundersen Ray; her twin sister Claire; her brother and sister-in-law Carl and Blair Ray; and her nephews Kenny, James and Luke all of Virginia Beach.
Anna attended Alanton Elementary School, Lynnhaven Middle School, and First Colonial High School. At First Colonial, her passion was theater where she tirelessly served in many roles including make-up artist and stage manager. She joined the international Thespian Society in 2014 and was made member of group 3178 for meritorious participation in theatre arts. Her summers were spent at Camp Sandy Cove in her beloved mountains of West Virginia where she learned and taught the Bible, ministering to countless children from all over the world. She became a Chief Councilor and taught all things circus, performing trapeze, silks, and lyra. And she participated in a three week hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains with only a back pack and a tent and a lingering distaste for peanut butter.
Anna had an insatiable need for doing new things and, above all else, being around people. Anna's infectious energy, joy, and love drew all who knew her into her friendship. Anna met everyone with a smile, mesmerizing energy, and happiness that made you want to be with her forever.
While with her ever present friends, Anna delighted in the 40 pound "one wheel" she dragged around, the beach, the mountains, and every kind of music festival. But her deepest joy and greatest goal were helping people with action, warmth, and delight. Her phone never stopped ringing with friends wanting time with her, and no time was too late or action too hard for her help and support. No call or encounter with Anna ever ended without a sincere "I love you" and a hug that we all will feel for evermore.
To her family, Anna was a unique glow that can never be replaced or duplicated. She was our life when she was with us and our longing when she was not. Her smile is lost now and will never enchant us again. Our tears will never dry, and the hole in our hearts will never heal. Our arms ache to be around her. She was the whirlwind to all she touched and an immeasurable loss to all the future friends and family that will never feel her exuberance and be warmed by her radiant love.
The family will receive friends from 5pm till 7pm, Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Great Neck Chapel. A funeral service will be held 1pm, Thursday, June 29, 2023 at Great Neck Baptist Church with burial to follow in Princess Anne Memorial Park. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com