Ray's family could always find her in her Art Room. She was either sending a card, painting china, sewing, or making a Sunshine Box for one of her friends. She connected to her friends through the hundreds of cards and letters she sent every year. Her cards were her way of showing care and concern for all her loved ones. She also made "Sunshine Boxes" to take to sick friends, allowing them to open a gift a day, for a week. Ray was a member of Sandy Springs United Methodist Church and had a multitude of talents that she shared with her church. She sang in the choir for over 60 years, decorated for banquets and parties, and painted murals in the Children's Department. She also made a sign each week to be read in her Sunday School Class, written in her beautiful Calligraphy and framed, depicting a religious "saying". She made approximately 800 signs through the years. Her favorite "saying" was: "Life is Fragile....handle it with Prayer". Other activities included playing the marimba and the ukulele, serving as a Pink Lady for Crawford Long Hospital, serving as a Brownie Troop Assistant, and bowling for 30 years with her church bowling league. She also hand painted china, showing the delicate brushwork needed to make her roses and pansies come alive, and enjoyed collecting porcelain angels. Ray was married to her beloved "Honey" (Carroll C. Barfield) for over 77 years. Carroll often said, "I make the living, and she makes life worth living." She was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Ray was known for her outgoing personality and her great sense of style. Ray, 96, born in Atlanta, GA, passed away Saturday, December 28, 2013 at Brighton Gardens of Dunwoody. She was truly an "Angel" right here on earth, and has left behind, to miss her ever present smile and open arms: Her two daughters, Bobbie Sherrod and Billie Sheffield; four grandchildren: Steve Sherrod and wife LeeAnne, David Sherrod and wife Staci, Rayne Roper Wilder and husband Chris, and Rustin Roper and wife Kelly; and six great-grandchildren: Andrew, Rory and McKenna Sherrod, Addison and Griffin Roper, and Ben Wilder. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sandy Springs United Methodist Church, 86 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328; or to The Calvary Children's Home, 1430 Lost Mountain Road, Powder Springs, GA 30127. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 11:00 am at Patterson's Arlington Chapel with Dr. Ken Ray officiating. The family will receive friends for Visitation at 10:00 am at H.M. Patterson and Son, 173 Allen Rd. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 (404-851-9900).
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