Pauline A. Ray

Pauline Ann Ray, lovingly known as Ms. Pauline, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 15, 2024, surrounded by her devoted family. She was born on March 10, 1944, in High Point, North Carolina, to the late James William Mack and Grace Mack McMullen.

On November 25, 1976, in Carbondale, Illinois, Pauline married the love of her life, Homer Eugene Ray. Their union was filled with love and joy, lasting 14 years until Homer’s passing on June 23, 1990. Despite the heartache, Pauline remained a beacon of strength and love for her family.

Ms. Pauline had a zest for life and a love for the simple pleasures. She found joy in hunting for treasures at yard sales, dancing, sewing, and cooking hearty Sunday dinners that brought her family together. As her children and grandchildren grew, she cherished the tradition of visiting their homes for these special meals. Pauline deeply valued family, always keeping their history alive through stories and the many cherished photos that adorned her walls.

A woman of faith, Ms. Pauline raised her children with strong values and was a dedicated member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Carbondale, Illinois. Her life was a testament to her unwavering devotion to her family and faith.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her loving family: sons, Arron L. Snowden Sr. and William L. Farr Sr.; daughters, Sandra Jeanette (Ricky) Nesby and Nora L. (David) Farr-Harris; life partner, Tony Bryant; grandchildren, Donald L. Snowden Jr., Dorothy Snowden, Pauline (Answar) Snowden, Arron Snowden Jr., Ja’Raena Wise, William (Tamika) Farr Jr., Kenneth Snowden, Jerome Snowden, Donald V. Snowden Sr., Keenon (Ebony) Farr Sr., Det’Zuan (Candace) Snowden Sr., Maurice (Christina) Gibbs Sr., Cassandra Farr, Robert Boens, La’Toria Steele, Tasha Muse, Tierra Bridges, Darrius Snowden, Ricky Nesby Jr., ZaQuan Harris, and ZaKevion Harris; brother, James Mack; special nieces, Felicia York and Katrina Stash; special cousin, Helena Flemming; dear friends, Brenda Henry, Jeanette McDade, Bernice Gates, and Ida Cole; along with 80 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pauline is preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Homer Ray; sisters, Sarah Ann Johnson and Thomasina York; brother, Matthew Mack; sons, Noah Lee Farr Jr. and Donald L. Snowden Sr.; grandson, Thomas L. Snowden; and great-grandsons, Isaiah Snowden and Kyeirre Myers.

Final Arrangements Lovingly Entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.