Hazel G. Ray

To everything there is a season and a time and a purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Today we gather to acknowledge and celebrate the new life for which our mother, HAZEL VERA GRAHAM RAY has entered in the presence of God.A Time to be Born: (Ecclesiastes 3:2). Nana was born February 13, 1918 in Lake City, South Carolina to George and Emma Mouzon Graham.A Time to Learn: (Proverbs 22:6). Nana was educated in the public school system in Lake City. Her long career dedicated to teaching began after receiving a degree from Benedict College.A Time to Love: (Ecclesiastes 3:8). Our mother was united in holy matrimony to Henry Reginald Louis Ray on January 31, 1947. Seven children were born to this union, Xenus R. Ringgold of Ellicott City, MD; Helen J. Porter (Tony) of Princeton, NJ; Regina L. Prior (Wilbert) of Westminster, MD; Brenda T. McLean (Alvester) of Pikesville, MD; Emma R. Del Rio (Jesse) of Reisterstown, MD; Vivian R. Bradford of Baltimore, MD and son Reginald Louis Ray (Sharon).A Time to Work: (James 1:25). Nana began her long career as a teacher with the Baltimore City Public School system after the birth of her son Reggie in 1958.A Time to Worship: During the 1950’s and 60’s Nana joined the First Mount Calvary Baptist Church (Fulton and Winchester) in Baltimore. After moving to the Forest Park area of Baltimore in 1964, she became a faithful member of Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church (Garrison Boulevard).A Time of Departure: (II Timothy 4:6). Nana peacefully made her transition into eternal rest during the early morning hours of Monday, May 22nd at the home of her devoted daughter, Regina and son-in-law, Wilbert. Her husband, Henry Reginald Louis Ray also preceded her into his new life on May 3, 2003.In addition to her children, she leaves to cherish her memory brothers, James (Barbara) and George (Jr). Graham, grandchildren, Nicholas (Christine) Edwards, Anthony McIver, Jai Jennifer, Kelly (Jay) Parker, Reginald Ray, Jr., Jahn Jennifer, Amanda Bradford, Rachel Davis, Raquel Davis, Alexis Ringgold, Eisho Porter, Michiko Porter, Christopher Prior, Ryan Ray, Regis Ray, Remy Ray, great-grandchildren, Sage Edwards; Akil Parker, Sierra Edwards, Amir Parker, Karon DelRio, Alisha Coates, Alicia Hunter, Emoni Williams, Dakotah Jennifer, Emma Del Rio, Karagin Woods, special “adopted” daughter Rose Y. Greene and many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

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Hazel G. Ray

February 13, 1918 - May 22, 2006