Phyllis Marie Jenkins Ray

PHYLLIS M. RAY, age 91, passed away on Thursday, August 23, 2012, at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital. She was born on May 30, 1921, in Millburn, New Jersey, one of 12 children of Clifford and Lelia S. Jenkins. She spent her childhood and was educated in Union County, New Jersey. Phyllis moved to California and considered it her home for many years; she recently resided in Denton with her daughter.

As a young woman, Phyllis and her twin sister played amazing games of tennis and won many matches. She enjoyed playing the piano and instilled the love of music in her children. She was a devoted student of the Bible Study Fellowship where she sang many favorite hymns. With a strong social conscience, she was a dedicated member of The National Council of Negro Women and supported their fund-raising activities and social programs. She actively participated in the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network and Relay for Life. Practicing tai chi kept her physically agile and mentally fit. She loved to travel with her daughter and visited many countries; her favorite vacations were in Hawaii and cruising.

Phyllis was married to Walter S. Ray, Sr., who died in 1969. Together they had three loving children, Marie Ray Milleage, Walter S. Ray, Jr., and Charles Ray. She is also survived by grandsons, Kali and Kwasi Ray, granddaughter, Crystal Moore; five great-grandchildren, Cree, Kali, Jr., Solomon, Simeon and Krystal-Lynn; and daughters-in-law, Carmen Lax-Ray and Renée Ray. Surviving her are siblings: twin sister Lelia, Walter, Raymond and Janice; nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends; best friend Dr. Gwendolyn Freeman, and her Senegalese family, the Badianes and Diaws.

The Ray family thanks the caring staff at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital and her personal physicians, Dr. Rani Anbarasu and Dr. Daniel Caldwell.

Interment occurs at Oak Hill Cemetery in California. A mass for the repose of her soul takes place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 2255 Bonnie Brae Street, Denton, TX. at 7 a.m. Tuesday, September 25th. Donations to the American Heart Association or the National Council of Negro Women in Washington, D.C., are welcome.