FRANKLIN – Edith Louise Dalton Ray passed away peacefully on Jan. 24, 2021, at Franklin House. She was born in Sylva to Beecher and Lola Bell Dalton on Sept. 23, 1930.
Her life was spent in devotion to her husband, Robert Paul Ray. Together they found personal joy in the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren that they shared.
Her personal passions were raising her four sons, traveling with her family, camping and demonstrating her skills as a true Southern cook. In her later years, she enjoyed attending Sunday school at Franklin House, painting, singing, listening to music, watching movies, playing bingo with her friends and laughing, while displaying a wonderful, gentle and positive spirt at every turn of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Paul Ray, and granddaughter, Marianna Ray. She is survived by her brother, Arthur Dalton (Jean) of Scottsboro, Alabama; four children, Danny Ray of Cumming, Georgia, Greg Ray of Franklin, Bruce Ray (Teresa) of Clarksville, Tennessee and Ron Ray (Mary) of Snellville, Georgia. She is also survived by four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Our Mother’s life cannot pass without the family giving sincere affirmation and gratitude to those of you that have graced her life by providing personal healthcare throughout her final years. To the staff of Franklin House, and most recently, Four Seasons Hospice, thank you for giving her love and kindness while comforting her needs and allowing her to have as much dignity and laughter as possible.
We cannot mourn her passing without celebrating the colorful, spirited, happy, and splendid life that she lived. She was indeed, one of a kind! As her children, we offer her our abiding love with great reverence and deepest gratitude for the life we shared with her.
Out of respect for our mother, a private service of remembrance will be held for the immediate family.
Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory are serving the Ray family. Condolences can be made at bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.