Mrs. Hattie Mae Ray

Spring The Spring of Hattie Mae Ray’s life began on June 2, 1939, in Memphis, Tennessee. Born to loving parents, Ida Mae French and Napoleon Baptist, Hattie Baptist was raised in the Jim Crow South. She was fortunate to matriculate through school with her siblings and attended Geeter High School. At the tender age of 17, Hattie met the love of her life - Mr. Howard Ray, a smooth, handsome man who was faithfully serving his country in the United States Army. After getting injured while serving in the army, Howard’s cousin James invited him to move to Saginaw, Michigan, where many jobs were available. His desire to provide for his family motivated Mr. Ray to accept the invitation. He moved to Saginaw during the Great Migration, secured a position with General Motors, and immediately sent for his family. Summer Hattie Mae Baptist’s season changed from Spring to Summer when she moved to Saginaw, MI and married Mr. Howard Ray, on Sunday, September 29, 1957. During the Summer Season, the sun shined brightly on the Ray Family as they built a strong family foundation and experienced life together in the most memorable ways. They lived, loved and laughed. Soon after settling in her new, Hattie sent for several of her siblings to join her in Saginaw, MI in pursuit of their American dream. ~Thus, began the Howard and Hattie Ray Legacy of Love~ The Howard & Hattie Ray Legacy includes two daughters: Sheila Ray Danley and Sharon Ray Jones, both of Saginaw; three sons: Howard Ray, Jr. (Saginaw) Michael Ray (deceased), and Karl Ray (Saginaw). Hattie’s grandchildren were her delight and joy: KuJuanna Ray (Saginaw), Myron Ray (deceased), Anthony Ray (Elissa) (Phoenix, AZ), Carrie Peterson, Anteya Dukes (Johnny), Howard Ray III, all of Saginaw; Hope and Harmony Ray (Yahzoo, MS), Dakwonta Washington (Saginaw), Karlisha, Karl Jr. and Karee Ray, all of Nashville, TN. Great-grandchildren, Myles and Myron Murray, Dmyrion Brown, Alyssa Gamble, Jacera and Joelle Ray, Carter Smith, Cameron Williams, Carmyn Jackson, Ethan and Eliza Dukes, Naomi Ray, D'Niro, Danniel, Journey, A'Nahi, Izareal, Kacey, Kameel, Aaliyah, Kamar, Aseer, Daijsha, D'Mailaand, and four great-great grandchildren. Hattie’s home was filled with love and her hands were never idle. She was the heart of her husband, and her children called her blessed. Soon after arriving in Saginaw, she secured a position at the Osteopathic Hospital as a cashier where she retired after 24 years of service. Mr. & Mrs. Ray worked hard to establish generational wealth for their family, beginning with the purchase of a small starter home, and progressing to a home and yard large enough to host major family events to promote strong family bonds. Their home was the gathering place for family. They also taught their children the importance of self-care – taking time to travel extensively with family and friends and participating in activities that they enjoyed. During this season Hattie Mae could be found at the golf course with the Ladies of Chip and Putt or at the bowling alley with her bowling buddies. She was very competitive, fun loving, and full of charisma. Hattie Mae was a servant-leader whose love extended throughout her home, workplace, community, and church. As well-established adults, Hattie and Howard Ray felt a longing in their spirits to be a part of something bigger than themselves. They joined Coleman Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent Hurley Coleman, Sr. and began to grow in Christ. Brother Ray committed his life to the Lord and became an anointed deacon, and Sister Ray joined her husband in declaring “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” She became a member of the Board of Trustees, choir member, deaconess, and Usher Board President. Their love for God inspired their children and grandchildren to follow in their footsteps, ensuring that faith was central to their family legacy. Autumn Just as the leaves falling from the trees’, signals the end of Summer and beginning of Autumn, Mrs. Hattie Ray’s Autumn began when she became a widow at the early age of 58. In 1998, Deacon Howard Ray was called home to be with the Lord. Sister Hattie Mae remained faithful to God and her church. She decided to return to the workforce, subsequently working for AVI Vending Company at Thompson Ball & Screw for seven years; but one of her favorite positions was Buena Vista Senior Citizen Coordinator at the BV Center where she spent four years coordinating activities for senior citizens. She enjoyed ministering to the elderly, but eventually decided to work as a grandmother at Mosaic Academy Elementary School to share her love with children. Hattie Mae received many awards and recognitions for her dedicated service. The following selected awards highlight her wisdom, fortitude, and commitment to others: Saginaw City Council Virtuous Mother Award, Declaration of Appreciation for having AAA Insurance membership for 52 years, Charter member of Buena Vista Lioness Club Certificate of Recognition, Buena Vista Lions Outstanding & Loyal Service Award, World Outreach Campus Certificate of Appreciation for Saintly Seniors, Disabled American Veterans Commanders Club Bronze Leader Certificate of Appreciation, and Buena Vista Senior Citizen’s Certificate of Recognition for completing Adventures in Cyberspace. She was truly a lifelong learner! In this season, Granny lovingly helped raise her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She often picked them up after school, attended events, and provided babysitting services (that she refused to call babysitting). Like the Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31), she shared her caring spirit with her family in and outside of her home. Sister Hattie Mae was especially excited about the progress of her church, after her pastor’s son – Elder Hurley Coleman, Jr. became pastor. They moved to a larger edifice and expanded to become World Outreach Campus. Sister Hattie Mae supported her pastor & First Lady Sandra Coleman wholeheartedly and continued to serve in various capacities. Winter Winter days are often cold, dark, and gloomy. Hattie Mae’s Winter began when the vicissitudes of life forced her into unwelcomed circumstances. She experienced breast cancer, heart surgery, the sudden loss of her grandson, the extended sickness and loss of her son, and the unexpected loss of her sister. But Sister Hattie Mae’s faith in God and resilient spirit helped her bounce back with miraculous strength. She retired from her multifaceted careers to spend more time with her family and church. She was blessed to see several generations of families grow up at Coleman Temple and World Outreach, and she had a special relationship with each generation. She adored them and shared many words of encouragement. Sister Hattie Mae remained faithful to church until her health failed her. They continued to shower her with love, honor, and respect throughout her Seasons of Life. Hattie Mae was the Mighty Matriarch of her family. Even in her Winter Season, they could rely on her to be at every function, birthday parties, school plays, and concerts, graduations, sport competitions, and programs. She was the caregiver for many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was a haven whenever a family member needed a place to stay. She cherished her friends, especially her best friends: Marguerite & Ulysses Wright, Dan & Etta Burns, Barbara Bishop, Bunnies Sanders, and Carlean Gill; and her friends affectionately known as The Golden Girls: Olivia Houston, Ora Houston, Ernestine Martin, Dr. Georgia Conic, Opal Anderson, Betty Batts, Sis. Sewell, Sis. Henrietta, and Sis. Draine. These special friends accompanied her through her Summer, Autumn, and Winter Seasons of Life. Her legacy of love continues through her four children: sisters: Dorothy Wilkerson and Mary Baptist; and brothers: Willie B. Baptist, Larry (Barbara) Baptist, Fred (Debbie) Baptist,, Hubert (Stephanie) Baptist; and Albert George Abram; sisters-in-law: Clemmie Tate, Ethel Quinn, and Connie (Paul) Maneese, Martha Ray;; brothers-in-law: Charles Ray and Julius Joiner; along with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, including special nieces and nephews: Norma Jean (Marvin) Clark, Sondra Abram, Calvin Payton, and John Ray; godson - Donzell Taylour; and extended family and church family. Mrs. Hattie Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Ida French & Napolean Baptist; siblings: Andrew Bell, Edward Thomas Abram, Emma Jean Henderson, and Adelaide Scroggins, son Michael Ray; grandson Myron Ray; brothers-in-law: John Henry, Dave, Jessie, and Jimmy Ray; sisters-in-law: Louise Norman, Earline Joiner, Ethel Quinn; and niece Rita Faye Payton. Mrs. Ray was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and a true embodiment of the Titus 2:3-5 woman—faithful, wise, and full of grace. On Sunday, March 16, 2025, surrounded by family, with hearts full of love and gratitude. In a peaceful atmosphere filled with praise and worship, Hattie Mae Ray earned her wings, quietly surrendered, and entered the eternal presence of the Lord. Her wintry nights turned into sunny days. God has made everything beautiful in His time! Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 28, 2025 at World Outreach Campus, 2405 Bay Rd., Saginaw, MI 48602. Bishop Hurley J. Coleman, Jr. will officiate. Interment will take place in Eastlawn Memorial Gardens, 7475 Holland Rd., Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday here at the funeral home.

Mrs. Hattie Mae Ray

June 2, 1939 - March 16, 2025