Helen Ruth Wray

Racine – Helen (nee: Brown) Wray, 82, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, November 27, 2013. She was born in Quitman, Mississippi on August 23, 1931, daughter of the late Talmadge Sr. and Mary Brown.

Helen relocated to Racine as a young adult, and quickly aligned herself with Wayman AME Church. She was a faithful and active member until her health began to fail.  She was a devoted Sunday School teacher, Class Leader, member of the Senior & Gospel Choirs, the King’s Daughters, and helped to feed the hungry. She was also a member of Badger Chapter #5 Order of the Eastern Stars, PHA and Daughter’s of Isis. Helen was employed in the field of education most of her life.  She was employed with the Racine Unified School District for 31 years, retiring in 1997.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, traveling, gardening, sewing, and crafts. Most of all, spending time with her family gave her the most joy.  Her home was the destination for all of the family and friend gatherings.

She leaves to cherish her memory children: Barbara Wilson, Otis Wray Jr., Sherry Green, Donna Broom all of Racine, and Vickie Coleman of Toledo, Ohio; 12 grandchildren including special granddaughter Tonya Wilson whom she raised, and special grandson Scott Wilson; 27 great-grandchildren; sister Beatrice Crain and brother George Brown both of Kenosha, WI; sisters-in-law Johnnie Brown of Chicago, IL, and Ruby Brown of Kenosha, WI; Goddaughter Tawanda Dumas of Jacksonville, FL; lifelong family friend Clarence Bland, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers James, Ernest, Izear, Walter, Lemuel, Albert, Eddie, Talmadge, Jr., and John Brown; sisters: Arrilla Pinson, and Katie Mae Dumas.

Complete services will be held at Wayman AME Church on Friday, December 6, 2013. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Homegoing Service with Rev. Ernest Garrison and Rev. Taurus Pinson officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park.