Dorothy Mack Ray

Obituary For Dorothy Mack Ray

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Dorothy Mack
Ray, a pillar of strength, wisdom, service, and joy whose impact spanned generations and
communities. Dorothy was born to Pearl Pickens and John Woods in Columbia, SC. She later made her home in High Point, NC, where she was raised in the community of Macedonia in a loving home by her mother and stepfather William Howard Mack.

Dorothy attended William Penn High School. Following high school, she married Benjamin
Thomas Dawkins, and from this union two children were born, Brenda Pearl and Emma Joyce.
While this marriage ended in divorce, Dorothy and Benjamin remained friends and loving parents until her passing.

A woman of extraordinary intellect and drive, she left High Point for Washington DC where she attended the Anna Burdick Vocational School of Nursing, earning her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification. After her return to High Point, while working part-time at Emerywood Country Club, she met and married Mark Hannah Ray. To that union, two children were born, Sonya Danita and Rodney Andrew. The Ray family made their home in Greensboro, residing in the newly developed Benbow Park community. Their house quickly became a favorite stop for family, neighbors and friends, especially those traveling north and south on Interstate 85. In 1975, the family returned to High Point where they lived until her husband's passing.

Dorothy never stopped pursuing education. At age 40, as a wife and mother of four, she furthered her education at North Carolina A&T State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Mental Health. She graduated Summa Cum Laude at the top of her class, completing four years of study in just two years. She later pursued graduate studies in Guidance Counseling at her beloved alma mater.

Her professional path was as distinguished as it was purpose driven. Over the course of her career, she served in multiple professional roles that reflected her passion for helping others:
* Social Worker for Guilford County Head Start
* Counselor and Compliance Officer with the D.C. Department of Corrections

* Nursing Professional at George Washington University Hospital, L. Richardson Hospital and
High Point Memorial Hospital
* Director of Social Services at St. James Nursing Center

Her heart for service extended well beyond the workplace. She tirelessly delivered food monthly
to the Urban Ministry for AARP Chapter 354, regularly visited nursing homes and the sick and
shut-in, and transported residents to the polls to ensure civic participation. She served as Precinct G-73 Chairperson and held leadership roles with the Democratic Women of Guilford County, the African American Caucus, and the Senior Democratic Party.

Her civic, spiritual, and social impact was extensive. She received many awards over her four
decades of leadership and membership across more than thirty organizations, including:

* Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Greensboro Alumnae – Life Member

* The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People – Life Member

* National Association of Retired Federal Employees – Lifetime Member

* AARP Chapter 354

* National Association of Negro Business & Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (1983 Chartered
Member – High Point)

* National and Local NC A&T State University Alumni Associations (Past President – High Point Chapter Aggie Club)

* The Ever-Achieving Retired Teachers & Educators

* The Pointers Club- High Point and Washington, DC Chapters (Founding Member)

* Gate City Council of Garden Clubs (President), Angel-Wing Begonia Youth Garden Club
(Advisor & Past President), North Carolina Federation of Garden Clubs (Crowned Queen)

* Toastmasters of America
* VFW Women's Auxiliary (Community Advisor)

Benbow Park Neighborhood Association, Golden Ray Exercise Club, Square Dame and Progressive Pinochle clubs

Deeply rooted in her faith, she was raised in the Pentecostal church and joined Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church in 1962 where she was a faithful servant and active member. She served on the Stewards Board, Missionary Society, Trinitarian Club, and as a Golden VIP Class Leader, Church Youth Advisor, and founding Girl Scout Troop Leader. She remained a devoted member until relocating to Prince George's County, MD under the care of her daughter, Sonya, and son- in-love, Steven, as her health declined.
Dorothy's life was not only filled with service but with deep love for her family as a devoted daughter, wife, and mother. In Maryland, she was lovingly referred to as “Momma Dot” by her children's friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Mark Ray. She leaves cherished memories to: her daughters Brenda Lee Fulton (Timothy), Emma Joyce Lee, Sonya Ray Coleman (Steven); her son, Rodney Andrew; and a proud lineage of grandchildren: Dana Lee Hines (Bouvier), Felecia Nicole Lee, Doren Matthew Lee, Rodney Ray, Jr., Kamerin Amaya Lee, Kristopher Matthew Ray; great-granddaughter, Amber Celeste Benford (Marvin); great- great grandson, Benjamin Isaiah Benford; lifelong friend, Odessa Patrick; and a host of relatives
and special friends in NC and MD.

Her extraordinary life is a testament to the power of service, sisterhood, civic leadership, and
love of family and community. Her voice moved hearts. Her hands lifted others. Her spirit will
remain a beacon of love, light, and purpose for generations.

Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 12:00pm at Trinity AME Zion Church 631 East Florida Street Greensboro North Carolina. Visitation 11:15 am.

Burial will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens 5710 Riverdale Drive Jamestown North Carolina.