Russell, Mary Evelyn Hays Ray, born January 3, 1927 and passed away December 22, 2012 at the age of 85. Our mother suffered with arthritis pain and its debilitating effects along with Progressive Dementia (Alzheimer’s) for several years. She is resting peacefully without pain after her long fight. We will miss her tremendously. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Nancy Hays of Hayden, AL; brother, Horace Hayes; sister, Emma Jean Hays Calvert; her husband of 28 years, Samuel J. Ray; her husband of 26 years, Clarence Earl Russell. She is survived by her brother, Harold Hays of Hanceville and her children, Aaron (Brenda) Ray of Trussville, Donna (Jim) Cockrell of Gardendale, Charlie (Donna) Ray of Hayden; grandchildren, Angela (Jerry) Dingler, Jodi (Jason) Cook, Jimmy (Stephanie) Cockrell, Shannon (Shea) Layton, Jonathan (Rayne) Ray, Christopher (Kristin) Ray, Meleah (Stephen) Yates; great-grandchildren, Robin Spurger, Levi & Hayley Cook, Dakota, Dillion & Drew Layton, Abby, Kaitlyn & Caleb Cockrell, Zachary & Faith Dingler, Casey Ray and Kaleb Dunson & Bryleigh Ray including numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends. She enjoyed her job in the food service industry, especially as a lunchroom worker at Tarrant High School. She was also employed at Gardendale Grammar School, Trussville Elementary, Howard College (Samford), and Stewart Sandwiches. She was a member at Pineywood Baptist Church and past member of Central Baptist, Tarrant Heights and Ketona. She was a long time resident of Tarrant and Gardendale areas. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Alzheimer’s of Central Alabama.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 26th from 6 until 8 pm at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with chapel services Thursday, December 27th at 2 pm. Interment will follow in Hayden Church of God Cemetery on Highway 160.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18