Obituary for Ethel Ray
Ethelene Ray, age 87, longtime Altus, Oklahoma resident, passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022 at Jackson County Memorial Hospital in Altus.
Ethel was born on January 5, 1935 in Mineola, Texas to her parents, Sam Russell and Josie Lee Grant. She was raised in Mineola and attended school there. Ethel married the love of her life, Charles Ray of the United States Air Force, on June 5, 1966 in Vernon, Texas. As a military couple, they lived at several duty stations including: North Dakota, New Mexico, and California, during which time, additions to their union were made. Upon Charles' retirement from the air force, he and Ethel settled their family in Altus, Oklahoma where they remained for many years.
During her work career, Ethel was employed at the Jackson County Memorial hospital for a while. Later, she devoted herself to managing the family home, raising her children and ensuring that their needs were met.
Ethel was a true servant in all aspects of her life. She served her family, her community, her church, and the Lord, Jesus Christ. She loved singing and praising God at every given opportunity. Ethel was a life-long member of the Church of God in Christ and served as the illustrious church mother of Greater Love Ministries in Altus, under the leadership of Elder Robert Green. When the congregation outgrew the old building, She was very instrumental in helping to acquire the new property on which the current church is situated and was one of the three signers responsible for its purchase. She was also active in the church on the national, state and local platforms. She supervised the Tribe of Dan in the women's department and was the leader of the bible band. Ethel strongly believed in "living the life that she sang about", and in the miraculous power of prayer. She was a role model to many who shared her deep, unwavering faith in our Savior.
On a personal level, Ethel was extremely outgoing and friendly. She loved dressing up in high fashion and always drove around in style. Taking care of her loved ones and ensuring that everyone around her was doing well was a big part of who she was. In addition, she possessed a heavy spiritual anointing that allowed her to sense when others were hurting or struggling. It allowed her to connect and interact with people in various ways. She did whatever it took to help those in need. Mother Ray leaves behind a legacy of selfless love, fervent faith and a true warrior's spirit. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Ethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, Charles Ray (1999); her parents, three sisters; two brothers, and her son, Remon Solomon.
Left to cherish her everlasting memory are her daughter: Elizabeth Ann Culpepper of Ft. Worth, TX; her three sons: Charles Ray of Altus, OK; Stephen Ray and his wife, Kim, of Minnesota; and David Ray and his wife, Regina, of Norman, OK; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives, friends, and church family.
The family will greet friends at visitation from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Friday evening, April 29 at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel in Altus.
Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus.
Lowell-Tims will provide a live web-cast of the service beginning at 9:58 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022. Go to www.Lowell-Tims.com and click on Ethelene Ray's web memorial. There will be a blue tab that says "watch webcast" inviting you to join the web-cast.
To sign the online guest book and share memories with the family please visit www.Lowell-Tims.com
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Ethel was born on January 5, 1935 in Mineola, Texas to her parents, Sam Russell and Josie Lee Grant. She was raised in Mineola and attended school there. Ethel married the love of her life, Charles Ray of the United States Air Force, on June 5, 1966 in Vernon, Texas. As a military couple, they lived at several duty stations including: North Dakota, New Mexico, and California, during which time, additions to their union were made. Upon Charles' retirement from the air force, he and Ethel settled their family in Altus, Oklahoma where they remained for many years.
During her work career, Ethel was employed at the Jackson County Memorial hospital for a while. Later, she devoted herself to managing the family home, raising her children and ensuring that their needs were met.
Ethel was a true servant in all aspects of her life. She served her family, her community, her church, and the Lord, Jesus Christ. She loved singing and praising God at every given opportunity. Ethel was a life-long member of the Church of God in Christ and served as the illustrious church mother of Greater Love Ministries in Altus, under the leadership of Elder Robert Green. When the congregation outgrew the old building, She was very instrumental in helping to acquire the new property on which the current church is situated and was one of the three signers responsible for its purchase. She was also active in the church on the national, state and local platforms. She supervised the Tribe of Dan in the women's department and was the leader of the bible band. Ethel strongly believed in "living the life that she sang about", and in the miraculous power of prayer. She was a role model to many who shared her deep, unwavering faith in our Savior.
On a personal level, Ethel was extremely outgoing and friendly. She loved dressing up in high fashion and always drove around in style. Taking care of her loved ones and ensuring that everyone around her was doing well was a big part of who she was. In addition, she possessed a heavy spiritual anointing that allowed her to sense when others were hurting or struggling. It allowed her to connect and interact with people in various ways. She did whatever it took to help those in need. Mother Ray leaves behind a legacy of selfless love, fervent faith and a true warrior's spirit. She will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
Ethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, Charles Ray (1999); her parents, three sisters; two brothers, and her son, Remon Solomon.
Left to cherish her everlasting memory are her daughter: Elizabeth Ann Culpepper of Ft. Worth, TX; her three sons: Charles Ray of Altus, OK; Stephen Ray and his wife, Kim, of Minnesota; and David Ray and his wife, Regina, of Norman, OK; 10 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; as well as nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives, friends, and church family.
The family will greet friends at visitation from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Friday evening, April 29 at Lowell-Tims Funeral Home in Altus.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home Chapel in Altus.
Interment will follow at the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus.
Lowell-Tims will provide a live web-cast of the service beginning at 9:58 a.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022. Go to www.Lowell-Tims.com and click on Ethelene Ray's web memorial. There will be a blue tab that says "watch webcast" inviting you to join the web-cast.
To sign the online guest book and share memories with the family please visit www.Lowell-Tims.com
To send flowers in memory of Ethel Ray, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
29
Apr
6:00 PM
- 7:00 PM
Lowell-Tims Funeral Home
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Funeral
Saturday
30
Apr
10:00 AM
Lowell-Tims Chapel
1100 East Tamarack Road
Altus, OK 73521
Interment
Saturday
30
Apr
Altus City Cemetery
2400 Falcon Road
Altus, OK 73521
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