Carolyn Geneva (Emory) Ray

Carolyn Emory Ray, 84, of Crossett, gained her wings on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at the Ashley County Medical Center.  Carolyn was born on August 26, 1934, to George C. and Geneva Maxwell Emory.  She was a lifelong resident of Crossett, a retired resident of Longview, a 1952 graduate of Crossett High School, and a member of First Baptist Church.

Carolyn began her “working years” as a popcorn girl for the Crossett Theater.  Other employers over the years included Tri-State Mill Supply, First National Bank of Crossett, and Georgia Pacific, where she worked the majority of her career in the Engineering/Accounting Department as an Accounting Analyst.

Throughout her lifetime, Carolyn was known by many names, “Em” to her many lifelong friends, “Gillette” to her adoring spouse, and “Wildcat Queen” to her co-workers and friends from the mill, but in 1953, God awarded her, her most prized title, “Mom”.  She cherished this role and was a perfect fit.  In 1974, she proudly became “Mamaw” for the first time, and not only was she “Mamaw” to her 27 grandchildren, great-grands, and great, great-grands, but a multitude of others who she graciously welcomed into her nest.  A person could never walk away from Mamaw’s home without at least an offer of a full stomach, a warm hug, or a feeling of being loved.  She had a way of plugging into a person and genuinely sharing her deep love and her wisdom, which was sought by many.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Dean Ray; one son, Bill Ray; one daughter, Lynn Ray Courtney; and one sister, Marolyn Lloyd.

Carolyn is survived by two daughters, Fran (Johnny) Blankenship, of Crossett, and Pam (David) Oliver of El Dorado; one daughter-in-law, Kim Ray; one brother, Dan (Linda) Emory; one sister, Joyce (Jack) Allen; and two special sisters-in-law, Judy and Shirley Ray all of Crossett; seven grandchildren, Deanna (Mike) Oden, Jason (Jennifer) Blankenship, Brad Courtney, Carrie McCormick, Josh (Kristi) Blankenship, Katy (Matt) Morgan, and Will Oliver; seventeen great-grandchildren, Kason Brooks, Blake and Maddox Morgan, Cameron Muirhead, Kinsley Jenkins,  Judd,  Joel, John John, Jasie, Briton, Issac, Jacob, and Hope Blankenship, Braden Courtney, Bailey Cook, Casey (Kate) Oden, Tanner (Erica) Oden; three great, great-grandchildren, Jayden Mann, Nova and Ally Oden; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 14th at the First Baptist Church of Crossett, 701 Main St., with Pastor Jamie Staley officiating, followed by an interment at Lakewood Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home.  Pallbearers are Jason and Josh Blankenship, Brad Courtney, Will Oliver, Casey Oden, and Matt Morgan.  Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Luis Garcia, Bro. Jamie Staley, Mike Ray, Chuck Allen, and Thad Lloyd.

Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

Carolyn's family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Luis Garcia, ACMC, Hospice HomeCare, and Hollie Smith for their special care.

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