Betty W. Ray

Raleigh - Betty Wilburn Ray, 82, of 805 Barbara Drive, Raleigh, NC passed away Sunday, August 13, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Betty was born August 4, 1935 in Harnett County, NC, daughter of the late Hal and Madie Beasley. Betty married James W. Ray (“JW”) of Columbus County, NC on March 31, 1984. They were both members of Holland’s United Methodist Church. Betty was employed by the State Department of Human Resources where she became Administrative Assistant to the Director of the Division of Social Services until her retirement in 1996. She was the recipient of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine by Governor James B. Hunt, Jr. in honor of her extraordinary service to the State. Betty’s devotion to family and friends, her sense of humor and her Christian values made her a role model for all who knew her. Betty is survived by her husband, James W. Ray, her four children, Barry L. Wilburn (Sylvia) of North Myrtle Beach, SC, Nancy Wilburn-Casiere of Raleigh, NC, Rick Wilburn (Deanna) of Kernersville, NC and Donna W. Gamble (Mark) of Greensboro, NC. She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, Christy Wilburn Ferguson (Tyler) of Altadena, CA, Ashley Elizabeth Jones of Garner, NC, Danielle Brooke Wilburn (Anthony) of Raleigh, NC and Emily Victoria Wilburn of San Antonio, TX. Betty is also survived by her three great grandchildren, Katie, Ella and Jack Ferguson in addition to three step-children, Rebecca Kuertz (Mike) of Rockport, TX, Cherry Helton of Portsmouth, VA  and David Ray (Becky) of Raleigh, NC plus numerous step grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Betty also leaves behind her siblings, Rosa Johnson (Ray) of Smithfield, NC, Geraleen Rose of Rocky Mount, NC, HB Beasley of Statesville, NC, Sarah Garrett of Columbus, GA and Marie Blackwell (Kenneth) of Wendell, NC. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2017 at 2:30PM in the Holland’s United Methodist Church sanctuary, 9344 Ten-Ten Road, Raleigh, NC. The family will hold visitation from 1:00PM until 2:15PM in the same location. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Transitions Hospice Care, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. transitionslifecare.org