Ms. Mary Ellen Ray, age 89, of Gaylesville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2026,
surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Ellen was born on November 14, 1936, in Summerville, Georgia, to Maudie Watson and Howard
Nicholson. She grew up in Cherokee County, Alabama, where she built a life centered around
family. Throughout her years, she was known for her loving heart and unwavering dedication to
those she loved.

She attended Rhinehart School and later worked at Best Manufacturing. Ellen devoted much of
her life to being a homemaker, pouring her time and energy into caring for her family, which was
her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.
Ellen is survived by her children: Larry (Janet) Ray, Susan Davis, Donna (Mark) Bradford, Steve
(Sheri) Ray, and Doug (Rebecca) Ray; and her sister, Evelyn Jennings. She also leaves behind
a legacy of 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul Ray; her mother, Maudie Watson; her
father, Howard Nicholson; her sisters, Patricia Verdin, Charlotte Hegwood, and Dorothy Hilyer;
her brothers, Leroy Nicholson and Steven Howard Nicholson; her grandson, Brad Ray; and her
son-in-law, Ronny Davis.

Ellen truly loved her family and was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, among
many other titles. She came from a musical family and was gifted in playing the guitar and
singing. She loved softball and was known to be quite talented on the field. She also found great
joy in working in her yard, taking pride in her flowers and the beauty she created around her
home. She was of the Baptist faith.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Perry
Funeral Home Chapel, with funeral services following at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Stanley Koonce will
officiate. Burial will take place at Moseley Cemetery in Jamestown, Alabama.
Pallbearers will be Larry Paul Ray, Chris Ray, Tyler Bradford, Austin Mason, Jase Mason, and
Jamie Mason. Honorary Pallbearers will be Wayne Stancil, Shawn Kilgro, Zachary Shaw, and
Coleman Ray.

Ellen will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Lord.” – Matthew 25:23

Perry Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
www.perryfuneral.net