Mrs. Ola Mae McGauley Ray of Detroit, MI, formerly of Georgia was born on July 2, 1940 in Waycross, Georgia to the union of the late Fred and Effie McGauley.  There she spent her formative years growing and maturing into a woman admired and adored by many.  She attended Center High School where she graduated as part of the Class of 1959.  At a young age she joined New Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. J. W. Lowe, she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior.  On August 23, 1960 she married her loving husband of 58 years, Henry J. Ray and moved to Detroit Michigan.  After visiting several churches in Detroit, she joined The Palestine Missionary Baptist, under the leadership of Pastor Ronald Burke.  While at Palestein she gave years of service to various ministries until health complications prohibited her activity.  Nevertheless, despite illness Ola remained a good soldier and devoted worshiper throughout her membership.

Ola’s compassion for people and sparkling personality shined and were on full display as she worked for the Cranbrooke Nursing Home.  Her warm smile and generosity touched the hearts of all those in her presence.

Ola was the 12th of 13 children. Though she was among the youngest of a large family, through her impeccable style and infectious laughter, Ola carried a larger than life presence.  She fiercely loved her family and that love was reciprocated.

Ola looked forward to spending summers and holidays at home.  She would use every opportunity to fly back home to spend time with her family.  While visiting you could always find her with her sisters laughing, catching up and spending quality time with her family.  To some it seemed she never moved away because for every special occasion you could count on Ola to catch a flight back home.

On Sunday October 21, 2018, Ola M. Ray took her last flight home.  She departed this life from Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit Michigan, to be with her Heavenly Father in Glory.

She is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Effie, ten siblings Fred, Thomas, Eugene, Willie, Alton, Louise, Ruby, Beatrice, Sadie, and Vernelle.

She leaves to mourn her memories her husband:  Henry J. Ray, two daughters  Marsha D. Mack-Smith (David), Kelli Booker; three grandchildren Marchata l. Mack, Mashawnda J. Felix Sherrer (Marcus) , Kenneth Booker all of Detroit Michigan; two great grandchildren: Ian and Marius, three siblings Essie Mae Hands of Waycross GA, Alberta McGauley of Youngstown Ohio, Marie  Daniels (Quincey) of Blackshear GA. Brother in Law Willie Ray (Claudette) of Detroit Michigan, Sisters in Laws Evangelist Louise Flynn (Albert) and Algertha Perry  of Waycross GA, Wilhelmenia Seay (adopted sister) of Waycross GA., and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family is receiving friends at the home of her sister, Ms. Essie Hands 1238 Folks St., Waycross, Ga.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 2nd from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. at Rainge Memorial Chapel.

The cortege will meet at Ms. Essie Hands home 1238 Folks St. at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 3rd.

Homegoing service will be held Saturday November 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at New Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 901 Ossie Davis Pkwy, Waycross; Rev. Jackie Hooper, Pastor will deliver words of Comfort to the Family.

Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery.

Final and most sacred arrangements are entrusted to the professional care of Rainge Memorial Chapel, Inc.