Shirley Christine Ray

Proverbs 31:25

She is clothed with strength and dignity,

and she laughs without fear of the future.

Shirley Christine Ray, 86, gained her angel wings on March 13, 2023, in Forney, Texas. Shirley was born on January 27, 1937, to Tena and William Edgar Baker in Dallas, Texas. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend. She was a devout servant of Jesus Christ and dedicated her life to sharing his word with everyone she met.

She married the love of her life, Edward Ray, at age 18, and remained happily married for 59 years until his passing in 2014. They planted their roots in Mesquite, Texas, where they raised their four sons and one daughter. Later in life, she was blessed with 12 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. For the last 8 years of her life, she made some of her fondest memories while living with her daughter and best friend, Cheryl in Forney, Texas.

Shirley served with her husband at Destiny Christian Center for over 20 years. She also generously volunteered at the Stewpot at First Presbyterian Church of Dallas for over a decade with friends. Her favorite things in life included being outside watching the cows and birds, spending anytime she could with family, and her nightly bowl of ice cream before bed.

Shirley is survived by her sister - Joan Mead; Children - Eddie Ray, Cheryl Lipsett, Mark Ray and wife Lori, David Ray and wife Michelle; Grandchildren - Jeremy Talkington, Aaron Barber and wife Brittany, Joshua Wilson; Taylor Lipsett and wife Kathleen, Kaylee Luellen and husband Joseph, Tucker Ray, Maria Ray, Cody Ray and wife Mikayla, Aiden Ray, Sonora Ray, and Elise Ray; Great grandchildren- Mariah Luellen, Brynlee Luellen, Mila Lipsett, Kooper Luellen, Alina Lipsett, Charlie Barber, Channing Ray, and Sawyer Barber.

She is preceded in death by her husband- Edward Bennett Ray; Son- William Charles Ray; Mother- Tena Buchanan Baker; Father- William Edgar Baker; Brother- William E. Baker; Sister- Onamae Schmidt.

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