Shirley Ray, 90, Beloved Wife, Mother and Grandmother

Shirley Ray (née Williams), age 90, died on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, in Charlotte, N.C. Shirley was born and raised in Westfield, N.J., and moved to Garwood, N.J., after marriage. She lived there for 40 years before retiring to Jensen Beach, Fla., for 25 years, and then moving to Charlotte, N.C., three years ago.

Shirley was a homemaker for many years, then a bookkeeper for various companies in New Jersey. She participated in many volunteer community roles in Garwood, including as a Girl Scout leader, and with the Jaycees, PTA, and Women’s Auxiliary of the Garwood Fire Department.

Shirley married her high school sweetheart, H. Gordon Ray, in 1954, and enjoyed 69 happy years of marriage, until her death. She is survived by her husband, Gordon, of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter Diane Kincaid (Michael) of Fort Mill, S.C.; daughter Susan Ray (John Fish) of Chester Springs, Pa.; son Darren Ray (Pamela) of Leesburg, Va.; ten grandchildren, Amanda Ray Insetta, Brian Ray, Nicole Kincaid, Eric Kincaid, Ryan Schiano, Evan Deakyne, Sierra Fish, Tristan Fish, Jack Ray and Samuel Ray; and five great-grandchildren, Madison Insetta, Henry Insetta, Cameron Howatch, Elaina Howatch and Cole Salerno. Shirley was predeceased by her parents, Helen (née Collani) and Royalston Williams; sister, Patricia Keene, and brother, Edward Williams. She was also predeceased by her son, Michael Ray.

January 25, 2024