Eddie Lou Ray, 104

April 16, 1921 – May 12, 2025

Eddie Lou Parks Ray, 104, passed away on May 12, 2025. She was born on April 16, 1921 to James Hawkins Parks and Eddie Volerah Patton Parks in Etta, MS. She graduated from University High School in Oxford, MS. She married the love of her life, Vardell Ray on July 31, 1940. They joined First United Methodist Church in New Albany, MS in 1947 where she was not only a long time member of the church but also the Marjorie Houston Sunday School Class, Wardie Howell Mission Circle and United Methodist Women. She was an excellent homemaker, a delicious southern cook, devoted wife, loving mother and doting grandmother and great-grandmother. She was a true sweetheart, gracious and kind. She always had a smile on her face and a compliment for anyone who crossed her path.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Vardell Ray, and their daughter, Ann Ray Glover. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Eddie Parks, four sisters, Nettie Mae Mayfield, Bama Ree Ward, Thea Mildred Watts and Doyle Woodson Bailey, and four brothers, Lucious Erastus Parks, James Victor Parks, Matthew Franklin Parks and Webster Norwood Parks.

She is survived by her Granddaughter, LeAnn Glover Sommerkamp of Charlotte, NC and three Great-Grandchildren, Elizabeth Ray Sommerkamp of New York, NY, Anna Davis Sommerkamp of Birmingham, AL and Kenneth Paul Sommerkamp III of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, two of special note, Melinda Ray Bell and Eddie Kay Parks Potts, who brought her much joy throughout her life.

A Special thank you to Dogwood New Albany, Arden Hospice of North Mississippi and Assisted Hands sitters for their loving care and attention to Miss Eddie Lou the last days of her blessed life.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at a future date.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.