Marjorie Charlene Ray

Hearts are broken at the unexpected passing of Marjorie Charlene Phillips Ray of Florence MS on April 30, 2016. Charlene passed away peacefully, surrounded by all of her children and her eternal companion. She was born July 8, 1941, to Alton Knox Phillips and Marguerite Hinton of Richton MS.

Throughout her life, she has worn many titles: daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and great aunt to name a few. She dearly loved and cherished them all. It can be said, that she left a legacy of faith and devotion to the Savior, Jesus Christ, through patiently enduring life’s trials and gratefully celebrating its triumphs, all while serving others without hesitation throughout her life. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 54 years and was serving in the Florence MS Ward as the music chairman. Throughout her life, wherever she resided with her family, Charlene played the piano and organ in her church as well as serving in other church callings. In each location, Charlene was the “lady behind the music”. Her musical gifts were remarkable and legendary to those with whom she served. She also had a gift with business operations and numbers, Charlene spent 27 years at former Miller Wills Aviation in Jackson MS.

Charlene was preceded in death by her sister, Helen Neely, just 20 days earlier and by her mother and father Alton and Marguerite Phillips, and brother Knox.

She leaves behind her husband Marshall Ray of 54 years, daughter Suzanne Reeves, two sons Phillip and Steve, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. The world will miss her “Ray” of light! Funeral services will be held Thursday May 5, 2016 at 11:00am Central. Services will held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 342 W. Main Florence, MS 39073. There will be a family viewing Wednesday, May 4th from 5-6 pm Central in the same location. And from 6-8 pm Central for friends.