Her Life

It is no secret that on June 8, 1934, down in the sandhills of of Harnett County, in the thriving hamlet called Lillington, the Almighty God was orchestrating one of His greatest creations in the birth of a baby girl named Mildred Ennis Ray. On that beautiful
spring day Mildred was born, the youngest daughter
to the late Mr. Adolphus Ray and Mrs. Maggie Baldwin Ray. All of her siblings (Timothy Cameron, Lauretta Ray, Ophelia Ray, Virginia R. Dolby, Arthur
Ray, Halford B. Ray, Hester R. McLean, Edison S. Ray and Althea Ray McDougald) preceded her in death. Being born to sharecroppers, she tried her best to
understand how to till the land, but she was not a good field worker. Her father recognized her deficiencies as a farm hand and told her to stay in the kitchen with her mother. It was during those intimate
times of sharing with her mother that she developed a passion for cooking and hospitality. Her father
forcefully declared that because she would not make it in the field, she had to go to college. After graduation
from Shawtown High School ( now Lillington High School) she enrolled into Fayetteville State Teachers College (now Fayetteville State University). She was the only child to attend college. Matriculating through her course of studies, she earned the Bachelor of
Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1956.
Her commitment to personal development motivated her to do additional graduate classes at the University
of Alabama, North Carolina Central University, and North Carolina A&T State University. She taught in the public-school systems of Lillington, NC, Goldsboro, NC, Durham, NC, and Montgomery, Alabama.
When her husband was appointed to the historic Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church in Montgomery, Alabama Mildred also started the first Head Start Program in the basement of the church. In addition, to investing
in the educational and spiritual formation of children, Mildred also understood her civic responsibilities . She faithfully participated in the Civil Rights Marches of the early 1960’s and was supportive of her husband, who served as the President of the Montgomery Improvement Association for several years. Mildred’s life was full of exploring new horizons and tackling challenges that confronted her. Through every trial and disappointment, her faith in God remained constant.

Her Love

While studying in college, Mildred was assigned a roommate by the name of Mary Scotton. At that time, Mary was dating Albert Carl Winfield, who was a friend of Rev. Edward C. McLean. Well, Mary and Albert introduced Mildred and Edward and the rest is history. On June 28, 1956, Edward and Mildred were united in Holy Matrimony and began their lives as husband and wife. To this marital union six children were born: Edward, Jr., Michael Eldred, infants Christopher Andre and Edwinda Denice who preceded her in death. Eddena Raynette and David Alexander. Mildred also raised her sister’s daughter,
Teresa Marie Ray from the age of two.
There is no question that Mildred loved her family deeply. Many nieces have lived in her home down
through the years. She always saw the best in everyone and would do all she could to help anyone
along life’s way. Mildred was a faithful and devoted wife, a kind and considerate mother, and a trustworthy friend. After being widowed for many years, Mildred met Mr. Edward G. Stradford and shared a very
special friendship with him for over 40 years. Mildred also shared a special friendship with Gwendolyn T.
Harris. They were like sisters, true “Golden Girls”.
She always had something positive to say about every situation. She loved and cared for people all of her life.

Her Light

It was on the altars of the Norrington A.M.E. Zion Church in Lillington, NC that Mildred was
introduced to the Christian faith. Ever since that day, she has devoted her life to serving others through
her warm inviting spirit. Mildred allowed God to use her in so many ways in her life. God used her as a
supportive help meet and 1st Lady throughout her husband’s ministry. She was the epitome of what a
true Missionary looks like. Through her witness she tried to win the World for Christ. She served as a
local Buds Superintendent; she led the Victoria Richardson Missionary Society and coordinated the
annual Kiddie Cotillion Fundraiser for many years. She also served as a District Buds Superintendent and
served for many years as the immediate past President of the Greensboro District WH&OMS. Working with the spiritual formation of children was another passion of Mildred. This was evident by a fruitful 24-year
career with United Day Care of Greensboro. She served as a teacher at Metropolitan Day Care and she retired as the Director of the Ray Warren Day Care Center. Her passion for children was also manifested
in the way she worked in the Christian Education
Department of Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church. She faithfully served as a Sunday School Teacher, Children’s Director, Vacation Bible School Director
and hosted Easter egg hunts down through the years.
Mildred let her light shine through her voice. She loved to sing. She was a faithful member of the
Sanctuary Choir, the Gospel Choir, and the Women’s Chorus. She blessed many with solos sung in her
beautiful alto voice. It wasn't until the pastoral
administration of Dr. Daran H. Mitchell that God placed upon his heart to consecrate her a Deaconess. She faithfully served this ministry until her health declined. Mildred has served as a Class Leader, Girl Scout Leader, WH&OMS Life Matron, member of the Music Committee and the Half Century Club of
Trinity Church. In 2013, she was inducted into the Livingstone College Hall of Fame. It is clear by her faithfulness in service to God that the light she possessed, she was determined to let it shine!

Her Laughter

“Yaw” was Mildred’s signature expression. It did not matter what was going on or what was being said,
the common response from her was often a “Yaw”. Mildred loved to laugh and she always tried to draw
you into the warmth that she possessed inside. Her laughter will be missed as she allowed the gifts of
helps and hospitality to lead her during the preparation of meals and in table fellowship. Her
laughter will be sorely missed as she brought sunshine into every dwelling space she occupied. Her laughter will be missed here on earth but because of her faithfulness it will transcend to the heavenly heights and join in with the laughter of angels.

Her Legacy

Preceding her in death include her husband of 14 years, The Rev. Edward Clifton McLean, Sr., her son, The Rev. Dr. Michael E. McLean, and her daughter Teresa Marie Ray.

Those left to lament her demise and carry on her extraordinary essence in the days to come include
her eldest son, Edward Clifton McLean, Jr., (Debra); her only daughter, Eddena Raynette McLean-Collins (David Collins, Esq.); and her youngest son, Rev. Dr. David Alexander McLean (Charlotte, NC). Daughter-in-Law, Gloria Hall McLean; Grandchildren: Kristen Y. McLean, Bryon M. McLean, Brandon M. McLean,
Brittany M. Stitt (Martinous), Bryanna N. McLean, Tamika Ray; Great Granddaughter: Malia Grace Stitt and God Daughter: Dr. Adalynn Harris-Ketewa; Caretakers: Larry Henderson, Josephine W. Howard, and Ms. Sandra Stradford; and a host of nieces, nephews, church members, neighbors, and
friends.

Funeral service will be held Sunday, October 15, 2023 2pm Trinity AMEZion Church 631 E. Florida St. Greensboro, NC. 1pm Visitation. Burial will follow Monday, October 16,2023 11am Lakeview Memorial Park 3600 N. O' Henry Blvd. Greensboro, NC.