Bonnie Ray
Bonnie Catharine Ray, better known as “Nanny Ray”, passed away at her home surrounded by her family Saturday, July 22, 2017. She was 96.
She was born in Neshoba County, Ms., on July 18, 1921. She was a member of Christ Methodist Church in Mayfield, Kentucky until her family moved to Chattanooga and became members of Tyner United Methodist Church in 1959. She worked in the church nursery for many years, so many years that some of the babies she kept had babies of their own that she kept. She served and held many different offices in her woman’s circle group through the years. She worked for Hamilton County School System as a cook at Bess T. Shepherd for many years. She loved the Lord and her family. They always came first. She loved to travel, cook and bake, to camp and family reunions.
She was married to Charles C. Ray for 50 years until his death. She was the youngest of 11 children of Loyd and Sudie Stokes.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ray, five brothers, five sisters, one son, Kenneth C. Ray, two sons-in-law, James A “Jim” White and James E. “Happy” Mallet and her parents, Loyd and Sudie Stokes.
Bonnie is survived by three daughters of Chattanooga, Linda Pennington, Nancy Mallett, Janice White, one son Kim (Lisa) Ray of Ringgold, one daughter-in-law Linda Ray of Cleveland, Tn., 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, many extended family and friends. She was greatly loved by all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Chattanooga for their loving care and concern.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25, at Tyner United Methodist Church wither grandson, the Reverend Michael Mallett and the Reverend Charlie Harrison officiating, where she will lie in state one hour before the service. Interment will follow the service at Lakewood Memory Gardens East. The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be her grandsons, James Mallett, Jr., Jeffrey Mallett, Scott Pennington, Stan Pennington, Dr. Troy White, Derek Ray, Matthew Ray, Adam Ray and Tommie Stokes.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Chattanooga or to the James A. White Scholarship Fund at Tyner United Methodist Church.
Please share your memories of Bonnie with the family at chattanoogaeastchapel.com.
Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37421.