Wanda Ray

Wanda Pearl Smith Ray was the seventh daughter of sixteen children. Born February 17, 1945 to the late George Lawton Smith and Thelma Pauline Smith went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ. Known as "Nana" to all who loved her, she is survived by husband of 54 years Cecil Addison Ray; three daughters: Rhonda Roberts and husband Mark of Cary, NC, Pamela Duke of Cary, NC and Carla Ray Grimes of White Oak. She was the beloved nana to six grandchildren: Ashley Roberts Dixon, Hunter Roberts, Matthew Duke, Michele Douglass, Colbie Grimes and Costina Bullock as well as seven great-grandchildren; brother: Clyde Smith of Stedman; nine sisters: Nita Baker of Elizabethtown, Jean Horne of White Oak, Sylvia Smith of Benson, Donna Naylor of White Oak, Hazel Smith of Clayton, Betty Holder of Cary, Judy Strickland of Fayetteville; Debbie Langdon of Fuquay Varina, Helen Huggins of South Carolina. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers: Eddis Smith, Elmer Smith, Charles Smith, Paul Smith and sister: Faye Smith.

The family will receive friends on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 6-8pm at Bladen Gaskins Funeral Home in Elizabethtown. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 at 12pm in Suggs Grove Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Roland McKoy officiating service.

Pallbearers are as follows: Greg Smith, Mark Roberts, Hunter Roberts, Matthew Duke, Brandon Douglass, Jason Bullock. Honorary Pallbearers: John Horne, Robert Grimes, Hayden Douglass, Jace Butler, Keith Owens.

Wanda was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, "momma" and nana. She will forever live in the hearts and memories of her loved ones. We will miss you momma/nana!