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Vivian Wood Ray
Columbiana

Vivian Wood Ray, age 96, of Columbiana, a loving and devoted wife, mom, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed from her temporary earthly home to her eternal home on Saturday, June 20.

The visitation will be from 1-2 p.m., Tuesday, June 23 at Bolton Funeral Home. The graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at Pinelawn Gardens with Dr. Mike Miller officiating. Bolton Funeral Home is directing.

Born on January 15, 1924, she resided in the Columbiana area for all of her 96 years. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior as a child and spent her life pouring out God’s unconditional love, especially on her family.

She graduated from Shelby County High School in 1942 and several months later married her senior class sweetheart, James “Jim” L. Ray, Jr. They had three sons and provided a loving family environment in which to grow physically, emotionally, and spiritually. When Jim passed away in 2013, they were only one week short of their 70th wedding anniversary. What an awesome example of commitment they were.

Vivian retired from the Columbiana Post Office and spent her remaining years with a focus on family, especially spoiling her five granddaughters and one grandson, who affectionately called her “Bubba.” Great memories abound, particularly through the many special trips and outings to various states, always resulting in interesting adventures.

Vivian is preceded in death by her husband, Jim; parents, Johnie R. and Quilla Bolton Wood; brother, John F. Wood; brother-in-law, Billy Ray; and great grandson, Samuel Colton King.

She is survived by her sons, James L. Ray III (Charlene), John Gary Ray (Linda), and Mark G. Ray (Jennifer); granddaughters, Melanie King, Aubrey Hocutt (William), Ashley Caldwell (Eric), Jennifer Collins (Korey), and Andrea Ray; grandson, James Zachary Ray (Chantelle), grandson-in-law, Jim King; 14 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Lyne Wood and Tommie Ray; and many other relatives.

The family would like to acknowledge the great service, care and love tenderly given over the past 7 ½ years by Shangri La and Rittenhouse assisted living homes, along with hospice care by Affinity and (especially) Southern Care/New Beacon in conjunction with Columbiana Health and Rehabilitation. A heart-felt “thank you” from our family to each and every one who cared for and loved on our mom. Your loving service and meaningful relationships have truly touched our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to First Baptist Church of Columbiana Migrant Camp Ministry, Acteen Ministry, or Student Mission Ministry.

Please sign online condolences at Boltonfuneralhome.com.