Frances Anna Ray

Frances Anna Street Ray, 86, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, January 20, 2009, at Manor Care Assisted Living in Naples, Florida. Frances was born in Bakersville, North Carolina. She graduated from Bowman High School and later attended early childhood classes at East Tennessee State University and Lake Junaluska Training Center in North Carolina. Her family moved to Baltimore, Maryland during World War II and there she met and married Paul Eugene Ray on March 10, 1944. Shortly after, Paul left to serve in the Armed Forces overseas, separating them for two years. When the war ended, they moved to Johnson City, Tennessee where their two children, Ed Ray and Genell Ray Marshall, were born. For several years they were co-owners of Ray and Street Grocery Store. Later, Paul went to work for Tennessee Valley Authority and retired after 32 years of service. Frances became very active in her childrens lives. She was a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts, a Girl School Troop Leader, Director of Camp Wildwood for several years and a camp counselor for Buffalo Mountain Camp for the Youth. She taught church Sunday school classes until both Ed and Genell graduated from high school. She assisted in implementing the first week day Kindergarten in First United Methodist Church and taught kindergarten classes there for several years. She was a very respected teacher that was loved and valued by her parents and her students. Frances was recruited to work at a pilot pre school for the deaf at East Tennessee State University. The children came from several counties. Teachers and students were observed by instructors in order to study the best and most effective strategies to teach deaf children to speak. The work was demanding but very rewarding. When the pilot program ended, Frances recognized the need for an independent day care nursery in Johnson City. She opened Handy Pandy Day Care, one of the first in Johnson City. Frances was a long time member of the Monday Club, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a very active member of the Susanna Wesley Class at First United Methodist Church. Attending and supporting activities at First United Methodist Church was an integral part of her and her familys life. In April, 2000 Paul and Frances moved to Naples, Florida to be near their son, Ed, and his family residing in Aston Gardens. They enjoyed their time there with Paul playing golf and Frances reading and participating in the Red Hat Society. Frances is survived by her son, Ed Ray of Naples, Florida, his wife Kathy Ray, their two children Justin and Heather Ray, Genell Marshall, her daughter residing in Brentwood, California with her husband, Robert Marshall. Frances will be remembered for her love of the Lord, her love for her children, and her love and devotion to her husband, Paul. He had her heart as she had his. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2009, at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will occur between 11:30 am-12:30 pm in the churchs parlor with services following in the sanctuary from 12:30 pm-1:30 pm. Burial will follow at Monte Vista Cemetery.