Mrs. Eva Lorene Ray's Obituary
Eva "Lorene" Ray, 86, of Clearwater, FL, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with her Lord on April 5, 2013, surrounded by her family. Lorene was born on December 24, 1926 in Grapevine, Arkansas. She worked at the local phone company before marrying and moving to the Chicago-land area. After raising her children, caring for her late husband and mother, as well as working at Allied Van Lines, she decided to retire to sunny Florida. She lived at Top of the World for the last 23 years. Her neighbors and friends meant the world to her. She also cherished her church family and was very active there as her health allowed. She truly embraced the Florida lifestyle. Her favorite place to be was the beach. She always put her family first in thought and deed. Her favorite Top of the World activity was line-dancing with her friends. Lorene was preceded in death by her husband, Oren C. Ray; mother Henri Etta Blackerby; sister, Ernestine Clement and son-in-law, Donald C. Marks. Survivors include son, Michael (Susan) Ray of Downers Grove, IL; daughter Teena Ray Marks of St. Petersburg, FL. Devoted grandmother of Christina (Howard) Holbrook of Colordao; Jamie Lee Marks of Gainesville, FL and Donald C. Marks Jr., of St. Petersburg, FL. Four great-grandchildren: Jonathon Holland, Joshua Holland, Katie Holbrook and Madison Holbrook. She will remain in our hearts forever and carry all that she taught us until we meet again. Her final resting place will be at her family's cemetery in Grapevine, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sylvan Abbey Methodist Church, 2817 Sunset Point Rd., Clearwater, FL 33759 - attn: Lorene Ray Memorial Fund.
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