Roberta Ray

ROBERTA RAY was born in Baltimore, Maryland on April 15, 1952 to the late Colon Ray and Ofreda Courts. She departed this life on December 28, 2020. She was the oldest daughter of three children. She had a special relationship with her sister Tricia, they enjoyed sharing special meals and family gatherings. Tricia stood by her side until the very end. Roberta graduated from Edmondson High School in 1970 and from there started working for the University of Maryland Hospital as a Dietary Aide for 45 years until her retirement in 2015. Roberta always had a love for people and a genuine heart. Even after her retirement, she volunteered at the University of Maryland Hospital. In 1981, her daughter, Shamira Nicole Kelch was born. Their mother daughter bond was extremely close. They shared many days full of laughter; Roberta called Shamira ‘over a thousand times’ to print copies of her favorite memes; their favorite pastimes were multiple trips to Walmart, Dollar Tree and IHOP; their jointly organized Christmas parties were always a joy and a ‘hit’. Christmas was one of Roberta’s favorite holidays. The two of them enjoyed their signature drinks, Roberta “Martinelli’s Sparkling Cider,” while Shamira sipped on “her signature cocktails.” On February 10, 2001, Roberta’s grandson, Khalil Nicholas Ben, was born. He was the joy of her life and the apple of her eye! He could not do ‘no wrong’ in her eyes. She bragged about her Khalil to everyone! Khalil always supported his grandmother, especially when she wanted her cases of water from Sam’s and Walmart. Roberta joined New Christian Memorial Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Walter Bronson Jr. in the early 1980’s. She spent many Sundays enjoying worship with her late father, Colon Ray and other family and friends. She was a faithful member of the adult Sunday School class and would often donate personalized baskets for back to school and Christmas. Roberta had an infectious laugh, a passion for creating and a spirit of giving. On any given day, she would call to tell you she wanted to stop by to share one of her crafts made especially for you and there was always scripture or words of encouragement embedded in every craft. Let us not forget that every gift and card always included one of her favorite sayings, “Peace & Blessings and Hugs & Kisses.” That was her way of showing and spreading her love to family and friends. Her other favorite sayings were “Well” and “I’ll See You in the Soup.” “Rosie” and “Auntie”, as she was affectionately known loved her family. She held a special place in her heart for her two nieces, Malaikah and Maya and her great nieces Nova, Kingsley and Kimaya and great nephew Kelsyn. Auntie always loved giving them gifts and letting them climb all over her. Her father Colon Ray, Sr. and godchild Aurora Davis preceded her in death. Roberta leaves to cherish in her memory, mother, Ofreda Ray; daughter, Shamira Kelch (Jermaine); sister, Patricia “Tricia” Ray; brother, Colon “Erskin” Ray (Francine); grandson, Khalil Ben; a special cousin, Audrey Cooper; close friends, Sandra Brown Dennis and Vecera Foster; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends

Tributes

Roberta Ray

April 15, 1952 - December 28, 2020