I was born on September 8, 1948, to two affectionate parents, Will Marion Ray and Hazel L Ray, in sunny San Diego.
As a child, my sister Wanda and I were raised in the church. I believe it was in 1952 when my family joined Bethel Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Charles H. Hampton. There at Bethel, I was a part of the youth choir, usher board, and attended Sunday school. When I was about thirteen years old, I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ, as my personal savior.
I attended Logan Elementary, Memorial Jr. High, and San Diego High School, from which I graduated. After graduating and giving birth to my beautiful daughter, Claudette, in 1967, I started cleaning houses while going to City College full-time.
Shortly after college, I enrolled in Patricia Stevens Modeling School, which I loved.
Due to my strong work ethic, instilled in me by my parents, I have always had a job. I worked for SDG&E for over ten years. I married Louis Baily in 1984 and relocated to Los Angeles, CA. While living in Los Angeles I began working at my granddaughter’s school as “Grandma Kay,” the cook. I later transferred my job and moved back to San Diego.
Let me tell you what I am going to miss down here on earth. I am going to miss our family gatherings; I am going to miss me dancing to the oldies but goodies with the young ‘ins. I am going to miss making all those sweet potato pies during the holidays for my family. I am going to miss my beautiful daughters Claudette Coleman and Selena Davis; my best friend, my sister Wanda Coleman; my Heartbeat – my grandchildren Mercedes Jones, Rodney Jones, Jr., Kristara Coleman, Malachi Coley, and Londyn Gatling; my double blessings from God in the form of great-grandchildren. My nephews whom I love as my own; a special friend, Earl Mitchell; Many great-nephews and great-nieces and a host of other family members that I love.
I will join in Heaven my grandparents, Joshua Banks, Claudia Moses-Banks, and Mary Taylor; my parents, Will Marion Ray and Hazel L. Harper; and my lovely niece, La Tonia Coleman.
“For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” For the angels escorted me home on September 18, 2022.
