Obituary of Hazel Marie Ray

Mrs. Hazel Marie Walker Ray (January 11, 1952- November 4, 2019) passed away on the morning of November 4, 2019 at the age of 67 in Jefferson, NC. Hazel was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. Her love of helping and serving others would be the cornerstone of her life. She was an accomplished cook, seamstress, and gardener and loved sharing the fruits of her labor. Her faith in God transcended into a gift to see his beauty and appreciate the natural world around her. She was the daughter of Willard Elmo Walker and Yvona Massey Walker of Alamance County, NC. She is survived by her husband, William Joseph Ray of West Jefferson; Daughters Nichole Ray McGuire and son in law Matthew Allen McGuire of Jefferson, NC and Danielle Ray Slavin and son in law Derek Lawrence Slavin of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren Ava, Foster, William, Madeleine, Henry, and Eleanore whom loved their Nana dearly. She is also survived by her brother Reid Walker of Dickson, TN and sister Jean Valentine of Burlington, NC. Hazel was a 1970 graduate of Eastern Alamance High School and attended Appalachian State University in 1971 and 1972. Due to her infectious smile, she met the love of her life on her 20th birthday in the Appalachian Student Center. They were married July 15, 1973 and began their life together which always remained to be their one true wish. The family is planning a Celebration of Life ceremony to be held in the Fall of 2020 and details will be sent out at a later date. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be made to one's personal church or to a charity of their choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Ray family.