Carrie W. Ray

CARRIE WALLS KELLOGG RAY was born April 21, 1919 in New Anchorage, Kentucky, and departed this life at 4:00 PM April 5, 2014. She was the second of five children, four boys and one girl, of Reverend William Pitt Kellogg and Fannie L. Gassaway Kellogg. She was born in a home that nurtured academic and musical pursuits. Both of her parents were college graduates and her grandmother was in the first class at Spelman College. As the daughter of a Methodist minister, her early life was enjoyed in several different cities and states, all enhancing her overall growth and development. Additionally, her father was an outstanding singer which possibly influenced her life and career. Upon completion of her early childhood education, she matriculated at Knoxville College, Knoxville, Tennessee and majored in voice and piano. At Knoxville College, the administrators and professors marveled at her superb talent and articulated the college’s desire for just such a voice which was augmented with Carrie’s outstanding piano performances. She and her brothers, Emmett and John, did “The Trio” by Faust across the country enriching the parishioners in black churches. This family trio thrilled the audiences. In addition to a display of musical talent with stellar performances, they depicted the close bonds of familial love that permeated the Kellogg Family. Carrie obtained a Bachelor of Music degree in 1940. Subsequent to this major milestone, she matriculated at Oberlin Conservatory, Oberlin, Ohio and was awarded the Master of Music degree. She excelled in many ways and displayed great intellect and impeccable musical talent. She continued her studies many years after Oberlin College. It was the aura and richness of the collegiate environment where she met another superbly talented music student, later the love of her life, William Benjamin Ray, to whom she was joined in holy matrimony September 1, 1949. They were married by her father in Springfield, Ohio. Carrie’s career encompassed many roles: teaching voice in Warrenton, North Carolina Experimental School; voice and Choir Director at Bennett College in Greensboro, North Carolina; instructor and Choir Director in high schools in Cleveland; instructing in music in Anne Arundel County (MD) schools and giving many private lessons. She was extremely supportive of her husband’s endeavors. When he was offered the role of King Balthazar in Gian Carlo Menotti’s Christmas Opera “Amahl and the Night Visitors” in Vienna, Austria, she was enthusiastic to go to Europe. For twenty-five years she accompanied her husband, an opera singer, in his extremely productive stay in Europe. While in Stuttgart, Germany, Carrie taught in the American School and encouraged many young girls and boys from the American military communities to attend orchestral performances, the opera, and the ballet. She became an administrator of the Opera Singers Association in Graz, Austria. She performed on many occasions with her husband. Upon returning to the United States in 1982, she continued her career as a music teacher. Carrie and Bill, as friends referred to them, portrayed a beautiful love story. Indeed they were a portrait of love and mutual respect indelibly framed in the memories of all whom they met. Their sixty-four years of marriage were filled with stimulating discourse, a love for people and family, and many appearances together in concerts. She was the soprano and he the baritone. With deep tenderness he recently said, “She was a part of me…” and described their sixty-four years “…as idyllic as God would have it be”. Together they amassed friends across continents and never faltered in sharing their experiences, wisdom, and genuine love for others. Their welcome mat was ever present. Carrie radiated a bit of intrigue when gathered with friends. Her granddaughter described it as “unapologetically honest”. No matter the description, she brought joy to others — just the way she and Dr. Ray thrilled the hearts of many as they performed throughout Europe and America. She was devoted to the church and grew up in a nuclear family where the church was a centerpiece. Much of her humanitarian work was executed in her organizational life. Not only was she active with the Knoxville College Alumni Association, she lent her energies and talents to the Alpha Wives, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and the Gamma Boulé Wives of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity. She had a rich life and performed for such notables as Roland Hayes and others. Her story is an inspiration and a symbolic symphony of style, personality, people, love, and talent. She epitomized faith, the capacity to believe and to share, a thirst for education and knowledge, the love of family and humankind, and a deep Christian belief in God. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. William Benjamin Ray; two sons, Alexander Pierre and William Benjamin, Jr. (both residents of California); two granddaughters, Jenna and Janine, students at Spelman College; sister-in-law, Nora Kellogg; numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Her brothers, Emmett, William, John, and Charles, preceded her in death. Indescribable strands of melodic music, coupled with powerful arias of her favorite operas embrace her as she journeys to eternal rest. Her love lasts in those who mourn her departure.

Tributes

Carrie W. Ray

April 21, 1919 - April 5, 2014