Irma Ray

Dean, as she was affectionately called, was born in Meridian, Mississippi. As a child Irma was a studious scholar and loved school very much. She attended elementary and middle school in Meridian, Mississippi and graduated from Northwestern High School in Detroit.

Irma married June Louis Ray, June 17, 1950. Irma and Louis (June) were blessed with seven children. Irma joined Burnette Baptist Church, Detroit, Michigan where she was a dedicated member. She served on the Deaconess Board as Corresponding Secretary until she moved to Sacramento, California in 2006 where she became a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church.

Irma was loved and respected by all who met her and on many occasions served as “surrogate” mother to many of the neighborhood kids. She received her Associate Degree in Business and Liberal Arts from Wayne County Community College. She was President of the Michigan Avenue Community Organization (MACO).

Under the moniker of Ra-Dean, Irma designed many outstanding fashion designs and always dreamed of becoming a recognized designer. She was a tremendous “hat” enthusiast and received many “first place” awards.

Irma was called home on Sunday September 27, 2015 and was preceded in death by her loving husband June Louis Ray, son Milton Ray, daughter Carolyn Ray, and mother DeLaures Dunson (affectionately called “Mommie”).

She leaves to cherish her memories, five children, Michael, Deborah Ray-Sims, Barbara Bickers, Regina Luster-Shaw, Steven; her sister Mary Williams, Brother-in-law Roy Ray, Sister in law Ivy Ray, son-in-law, Michael Bickers, son-in-law, Maurice Shaw, daughter-in-law Chuleenan; two grandchildren Christopher and Aishah; and a host of nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.