Mrs. Mattie Lee Ray, lovingly known as “Little Mama” and affectionately called “Miss Mattie” by family, friends, and coworkers, entered eternal rest on May 19, 2026. She was born on October 26, 1928, in Spartanburg, South Carolina to the late Aline and William B. Thompson.
Mattie’s life was a beautiful testimony of faith, hard work, compassion, and unwavering love for her family. As a young girl, she began her education at a Catholic school in Black Mountain, North Carolina before later graduating in the Class of 1948 from Fairforest High School, Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Shortly after, she married the late Joseph Ray, Sr. Together they were blessed with six children: Rose Marie Thomas (Reginald), the late Kenneth Preston Ray (Mickie, deceased), the late Alfred Anthony Ray, Dr. Joseph Ray, Jr. (Beverly), Cathy Sharmaine Williams (Anthony), and Warren Ray.
For more than thirty dedicated years, Miss Mattie faithfully served as a housekeeping and laundry supervisor at White Oaks Manor Nursing Home. Her work ethic, kindness, and caring spirit left lasting impressions on everyone who knew her.
Outside of her career, Mattie found joy in life’s simple blessings. She had a tender heart for animals and never hesitated to care for stray dogs and cats that crossed her path. She enjoyed reading her newspaper, tending to her yard, and spending precious moments surrounded by her family. Whether offering wisdom, preparing a loving meal, or simply sitting quietly among those she loved, Mattie’s presence brought warmth and comfort.
Above all, Mattie loved the Lord Jesus Christ and devoted her life to caring for others. Her faith remained steadfast throughout every season of life.
In addition to her parents, Mattie was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Ray, Sr.; her sons, Kenneth Preston Ray and Alfred Anthony Ray; her sister, Eloise Thompson; and her daughter-in-law, Mickie Ray.
She leaves to cherish her precious memories: her children, Rose Marie Thomas (Reginald), Dr. Joseph Ray, Jr. (Beverly), Cathy Sharmaine Williams (Anthony), and Warren Ray; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-one great-grandchildren; eleven great-great grandchildren and a host of loving cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.
Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice in knowing that Mattie’s earthly labor is complete. She now rests peacefully in the presence of her Lord and Savior, reunited with loved ones who have gone before her. Her legacy of love, strength, faith, and devotion will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." — Matthew 25:23