Lizzie Marie Ray

LIZZIE MARIE RAY

May 25, 1938 – December 8, 2025

It is with sad hearts that our mother, Lizzie Marie Tant Ray, 87 from the Pilot Community passed away December 8, 2025. We know she is rejoicing with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Marie was a kind and generous person. She lived the life of a good Christian wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, always being an example to others. She enjoyed traveling, cooking and gardening. She was well known for her seafoam candy and crocheting. She made many prayer shawls for people.

She was a lifelong member of Rocky Cross Holiness Church where she had many roles through the years.

She married Bobby M. Ray on August 18, 1956. Together they had four children: Pam Jones (Rodney), Kevin Ray (Sharon), Shirley Carroll (Anthony), and Lynn Ray (Trina). Marie and Bobby opened their home years ago for Darlene Tharrington Denson (Mark) who was like their own daughter. Grandchildren: Nikki Sexton (Roger), Tyler Carroll (Stephanie), Caleb Ray (Heather), and Heidi Andrews (AJ). Great Grandchildren: Nicholas Garrett (Emily), Aiden Sexton, Olivia Carroll and Easton Carroll. Great Great Grandchild: Benjamin Avery Garrett. Marie & Bobby’s home was always the place the neighborhood kids liked to hang out.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby of 59 years, her parents, 2 sisters and 6 brothers. She is survived by brothers, Billy Tant and Clyde Tant (Sandra) and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Rocky Cross Holiness Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Family Life Center.

The family would like to thank everyone for all the prayers, visits, food and any gesture of kindness shown to Marie and the family during her illness. We would also like to thank the nurses from Transitions Hospice Home Care and at Transitions Life Center in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rocky Cross Holiness Church, 12524 Anderson Rd., Zebulon, NC 27597.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the Faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg. www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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