Phyllis M. Ray, age 91, died on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. She was born on May 30, 1921, in Millburn, New Jersey, to Clifford and Lelia S. Jenkins, where she spent her childhood and was educated in Union County, New Jersey. She resided in Denton with her daughter.
She actively participated in the American Cancer Society, ACS-Cancer Action Network, Denton Relay for Life and the Fort Worth Komen for the Cure, was a dedicated member of The National Council of Negro Women, and was a devoted student of the Bible Study Fellowship. She enjoyed travelling extensively with her daughter, visited many countries, and favored visiting Hawaii and cruising.
Phyllis was married to Walter S. Ray, Sr. who died in 1969. She is survived by three loving children, Marie Ray Milleage, Walter S. Ray, Jr. and Charles Ray, as well as grandsons, Kali and Kwasi Ray and great grandchildren, Cree, Kali, Jr., Solomon and Simeon; a granddaughter, Crystal Moore, great granddaughter, Krystal-Lynn; daughters-in-law, Carmen and Renée; Surviving siblings are: twin sister Lelia, Walter, Raymond and Janice; nephews, nieces, other relatives; and her Senegalese family, the Badianes and Diaws.
The Ray family would like to thank the caring staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and personal physicians, Dr. Rani Anbarasu and Dr. Daniel Caldwell.
Interment will take place in California. Donations to the American Heart Association or the National Council of Negro Women in Washington, D.C., are welcomed.
