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Linda Keith Ray

Linda Keith Ray obituary, Raleigh, NC

Linda Ray Obituary

RAY RALEIGH, NC - Linda Keith Ray Nov. 12, 1952 - Dec. 11, 2011 Linda Keith Ray, 59, passed away on December 11, 2011 after a four year courageous and inspirational battle with Ovarian Cancer. Linda was born November 12, 1952 in Winston Salem, NC to James Richard and Joyce Walker Keith. She later moved to Raleigh to become a Meredith Angel. Linda is survived by her daughter, Kaitlin Ray Forsyth and her husband Michael Edwards Forsyth; Granddaughter, Haley Joy Forsyth of Kernersville; two Brothers, Wayne R. Keith and his wife Robin Keith of Ridgefield, WA; Randall J. Keith of San Diego, CA; Brother in Law, Daniel Ray and his wife Mary Graham Andrews of Raleigh; Parents, James R. and Joyce W. Keith of Winston Salem; Step-mother in law, Jewel Ray and many other step family members of DeFuniak Springs, FL. Other "family" members include the Genesis class, dear friends in Christ at Highland United Methodist Church. Linda is predeceased by her husband, Donald Franklin Ray. Linda received her Bachelor of Music degree from Meredith College in 1974. She was awarded her Masters of Adult Education from North Carolina State University in 1986. She was awarded her Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership in 2006 from East Carolina University. Linda was devoted to her work in adult education at Wake Technical Community College. Linda would like to acknowledge all the staff at Duke University Medical Center/ Cancer Center for their support and wonderful treatment over the past four years. A special thank you goes to Teri Tasler and Dr. Laura Havrilesky for your devotion to Linda's care. Linda was a true friend to many and a wonderful mother and teacher. Her strength, outlook on life, and determination will be remembered always. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, December 16, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Highland United Methodist Church in Raleigh, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Linda Keith Ray Endowment Fund at Highland UMC, 1901 Ridge Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. Condolences and special memories can be shared at www.BrownWynne.com.
Published by Winston-Salem Journal on Dec. 14, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Linda Ray

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Karen Garmon

December 17, 2011

Dr. Ray was one of the most inspiring women I've ever known. I always enjoyed being in her company. She so effortlessly personified integrity, fairness, compassion and wit. I feel humbly blessed to have met her and even more blessed that she was my friend.
Karen S. Garmon

Tammy Blankenship

December 17, 2011

I never knew Linda face to face, but got to know her through her husband Don at work. His face always lit up when he talked about Linda and Kaitln. He loved each very much. I enjoyed her posts on CaringBridge tremendously. She gave such strength and insight to many. My prayers go out to the entire family.

December 16, 2011

As a former colleague of Linda's at Wake Tech, I thoroughly enjoyed her intelligence, perception and sense of humor. She was an outstanding employee and contributed sinigicantly to the college. I will miss her and regret so much that she is no longer with us. We had lots of good conversations and fun together.

Jane Rabon
Raleigh, NC

December 16, 2011

Linda was such a special person. I thoroughly enjoyed working with her because she always was able to use that agile brain of hers to help become part of the solution to whatever issue we were focussing upon.

It was a real compliment when Linda started announcing that I was a "mentor." She did not need much mentoring. I found that all she needed was to be pointed in a direction and off she went.

She made many contributions to this world of ours and will be missed.

To the family...I really regret that I am unable to pay tribute to her at the Celebration of Life Service, but I will send a memorial to honor her memory.

Neill McLeod
Raleigh, NC

Lourdes Shelley

December 15, 2011

I worked with Linda at Wake Tech for many years, she was smart, caring, witty and kept us laughing with her funny stories, she also had the "chocolate candy dish" for all to enjoy. We became good friends and during her fight with cancer whenever she could eat we would meet for lunch and laugh at all her new funny stories! I will miss her! Thinking of you,Katlin, as well as your grandparents. You are all in my prayers.

Norma Owen

December 15, 2011

Th world has lost a true Angel. She helped so many lives and to have had the opportunity to work by her side was a gift for which I will forever be grateful. Linda's passion and life work will leave a legacy that most of us could only hope to achieve. She is finally at peace and I will miss her.

December 15, 2011

Linda was very speciaal to me. When Chuck died she made a point of giving me a hug and asking how I was every Sunday at Genesis class. I am so glad that she loved my beach condo and it gave her peace.

Thelma Hunter

December 15, 2011

Kaithlin, Ray and Keith Families:

Linda Ray was a very special person to me. I met and worked with Linda at the Jane S. McKimmon Center, NCSU. Kaithlin, Linda always glowed when she talked about you and Don and I was always happy when she brought you to the office with her for a visit. You were her little angel. I will certainly miss Linda and her words of encouragement and the beautiful smile that she had.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend her "Celebration of Life Service" because of work - but you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Thelma Hunter, Cary, NC

sydney gingrow

December 14, 2011

Linda and I were classmates at R.J. Reynolds High School. We shared poetry and frivolity. I was lucky to see her at the 40th reunion in 2010. My sympathies to the family.

Sydney Sherrill Gingrow
Knoxville, TN

Michele Meischeid

December 14, 2011

Linda was a treasured colleague who always enjoyed life and the road that we travel. Her latest journey has brought her to her beloved Don, who has patiently waited for her. She will be missed by the many lives she touched across the state through the Basic Skills family to which she will always belong.
My prayers are with you, Kaitlyn, and your grandparents. I will miss Linda's laugh and bright smile.

Patricia Taylor

December 14, 2011

Dr. Ray was such a blessing to me when my husband passed away 6 months ago. She would always have words of encouragement and wisdom to share with me, and had such a love for family and friends. I will certainly miss her sweet spirit and her phone calls telling me that she was going to be late coming to the office (smile). She fought a good fight and kept the faith. Linda was truly a rare gem.

Mary Madenspacher

December 14, 2011

My heart goes out to Linda's family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Judy Howell

December 14, 2011

Take your rest, my friend.

December 14, 2011

Kaitlin,
Your mom such a great person. She talked about you to her Meredith friends for decades! Joy, trials, tribulations---through it all she never stopped believing in you and was elated with your progression to college grad, wife and mom. I know you will give the same love and support to your daughter. I unfortunately cannot attend the service on Friday because of a work commitment but will be thinking of you and your family. And remembering Linda always.

Eleanor Hill Oakley

Lauren Yarbrough

December 14, 2011

Kaitlin,

What a courageous woman your mother was! I was only able to spend a little time with her, but I can truly see why so many loved her and loved to be around her. She had a warm spirit and a humble heart. You have many traits like your mother. I pray for peace for you and the rest of your family as you get through this. I know that she is in a much better place and will always watch over you! I hope that your faith carries you through and that you know how many people love you!

Bernadette McAllister

December 14, 2011

Dr. Ray was my queen and I was her princess. I will forever miss her bright, smiley face. Dr. Ray was loved by all and showed a wonderful spirit. No more pain my friend. I love you.

Paula Montague

December 13, 2011

To the Keith & Ray Family,
Linda's bright spirit will never fade. I pray you will find peace in your sweet memories. She will be truly missed.

kim carle

December 13, 2011

Linda helped with the youth group at Highland many years ago and I still remember her cheer, encouragement and devotion to us and her faith. Our prayers are with her family.
Kim Mangum Carle

December 13, 2011

While she is at peace with our Lord, our world is dimmer. She would always light up a room and a conversation. I am so lucky to call her my friend.
Peggy hwoard

Cindy Godwin

December 13, 2011

After meeting at Meredith in 1970, Linda became a lifelong friend. I treasure every moment I spent with her and keep her in my heart. I loved her laugh and the way she lived every day of her life. What an Angel..

December 13, 2011

Linda and Don were leaders of the Youth Group at Highland United Methodist Church back when I was a frizzy-haired tomboy in middle school (1970's). My deepest sympathies to Kaitlin and all members of the family. I remember when Linda and Don told me they were expecting; when Kaitlin was born and babysitting Kaitlin for years...My heartfelt prayers go out to Kaitlin. I am, however, comforted knowing Linda has at last found peace and is reunited with Don.
Lisa Hoffman Piratzky

Helen Poole

December 13, 2011

Kaitlin,
Thinking of you and your family. Ginger and Laura wish they could be here this week to hug you.

Helen Poole

Sheryl Jewett

December 12, 2011

Linda meant so much to her support group at Duke. She is an inspiration to all of us along a similar journey and she truly demonstrated God's love with her smile, courage, grace and peace. Welcome HOME!!

Janet Mahoney

December 12, 2011

Linda has unselfishly given me wonderful memories that I will cherish forever. She had a gift of making me feel so special whenever we were together. I thank her for this friendship and unconditional love.

Anita White

December 12, 2011

Linda was indeed a very special person, one of my favorites at NCCCS. She made our jobs easier and was always a delight to be around. Enjoyed our trips to San Diego, but remember most our time in Old Salem. She will be missed.
Anita White (Ret)
Brunswick Community College

Andree & Dave Wolf

December 12, 2011

A good neighbor, a good friend, she will be missed. She is finally at peace after a valiant battle. Our love to the family,
Andree & Dave

December 12, 2011

Her face lit up the room. I will forever miss that glowing image of her smile. Her final victory though has been won, and she is at peace...We will miss you forever, my sister in CHRIST!
Patrick O'Carroll(Raleigh, NC)

Shirley Vestal

December 12, 2011

Linda Ray was smart, funny, empathetic, beautiful, and a loyal, loving friend. I always felt better, happier, when I was around her. Her illness was hard on her and those who knew and loved her, but as a gifted writer she tried to let us in on the big truths she was learning through her journey. I will miss her terribly, but will think of her with Joy for the rest of my life.

Meg Smither

December 12, 2011

She will truly be missed. She was my best friend and sister. You are at peace now my sister - at peace. I Love you

Stuart Deibel

December 12, 2011

Linda was a good friend.
She had LOTS of friends.
We could always count on her smile.
I miss her already.
Stuart
+++

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