Mary "Mae Mae" Ellen Ray

Mary Ellen Ray, 28, lovingly known as “Mae Mae” of Flowood passed away Sunday, May 31, 2015. She was born on March 6, 1987, and was the daughter of Mary Snyder Ray, and Sam Moore Ray, III. She lived most of her childhood in Yazoo City, before moving to Hattiesburg with her family. She attended Oak Grove High School and joined the debate team where she excelled in tournaments held throughout the state. Mary Ellen also participated in the Lamar County Junior Miss Pageant. Outside of school, she was active in the youth group at First Presbyterian Church, and she loved spending her summers at Camp DeSoto in Mentone, Alabama, and later worked as a counselor there while in college.

After graduating from high school in 2005, Mary Ellen attended Ole Miss where she was an active member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, and Mortar Board, had the honor of serving as a page at the 2008 Republican National Convention in St. Paul, Minnesota. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences in 2010, and her doctor of pharmacy in 2013. She worked for Walgreens where in addition to filling prescriptions, she enjoyed decorating the pharmacy for holidays and birthdays, but she always loved coming home to her precious dog Sophie.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ellen is survived by her brothers, Ryan Annison (Meg) of Jackson, and Sam Ray of Brandon, sister, Sarah Frances Ray of Madison, her maternal grandmother, Mary Ann Snyder of Flowood, and her paternal grandparents Sam and Charlene Ray of Madison. Mary Ellen was dearly loved by her many aunts, uncles, and cousins, including her maternal aunts and uncles Rob and Brenda Snyder, and their children Lauren Mize (Micah) and Brandon Snyder, Tom and Anne Snyder Myers, and their children Mary Margaret, Laura and Ryan, and Lynn and Jane Snyder Stringer, and their children Robert, Sydney and Ann Walton. She is also survived by her paternal aunt and uncle Ronnie and Kim Ray McMaster, and their children Ron McMaster (Laura), Emily Poole (Chris), Anna Scarbrough (Will), and Dee Ray and his wife Carla, and their children Deanna Ray and Chad Ray. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather Robert Sydney Snyder, MD.

Funeral services will be held at Parkway Funeral Home on Thursday, June 4, at 11:00 in the morning, followed by interment in the Clinton Cemetery. Visitation will be held at Parkway Wednesday June 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.