Aranell Pettijohn Ray

Aranell Pettijohn Ray (Corley)

April 29, 2025

Aranell Pettijohn Ray (Corley) born Dec 16, (year undisclosed, because mother would want it that way) and died Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Aranell is preceded in death by her parents Richard Despain and Nellie Lee Pettijohn, her siblings Robert Pettijohn, Earl Pettijohn, Opal Holman, Ruby Pettijohn and her husband and father of her three children, Frank Allen Ray and grandson Seth Cooper Ray. She is survived by her sister Sidney Nellene Bailey, her three Children Kevin Cooper Ray, Steven Allen (Jennifer) Ray, Charlie Despain Ray and her husband Billy Ray Corley. Steven and Jennifer blessed her with three grandchildren, Spencer (Aapana) Ray, Presley (Raley) Vincent, Seth Cooper Ray and great grandchildren Grayson, Elliott, Emerson, Lynley, Ayla.

Aranell was born in Mtn. Creek, Alabama and worked for Governor Patterson where she met Frank, a handsome Air Force liaison to the governor's office. They married and settled in Opelika to raise their three children and together created multiple successful businesses. Aranell spent her time running the businesses, serving her community through her service sorority Beta Sigma Phi and playing golf, often with her sorority sisters and with Barbara Mandrell who claimed her as her stand in at public events at Still Waters. She was known for having a lead foot and a loaded pistol in her purse, hosting great parties and teaching her children that women rule the world.

She overcame every obstacle except her last. She was moved to Texas without her children's knowledge and admitted to a facility where she succumbed to the long goodbye of dementia.

A memorial service will be held for family and friends on May 17 at the Brownfield House in Opelika to celebrate her joy for life, love of dancing and a good party with her family and friends. Our mother would want to be remembered as she lived, entertaining and sharing love and laughter and music and dancing. So, we hope you dance. Flowers may be sent to the Brownfield house on May 17. Thank you to all of the friends and family that have been so kind to us during this time.