Elizabeth Irene Scarbrough Ray, 86 of Sturgis, MS, passed away to her heavenly home on Sunday February 6, 2022, at 4:20am, surrounded by her family. Irene was born in Ocala, Florida on April 5, 1935, to Charlie and Lodean Scarbrough. On March 22, 1952, she married the love of her life, Elbert M. Ray, Sr. They had five children; Julie, Peggy, Elbert Jr., Danny, and Mona. She worked several years at Herschede Hall Clock Co., Howards Furniture, and West Brothers Department Store all of which were in Starkville, MS. Afterwards she opened a small Fabric Store called Rene’s Fabrics and also was the owner of Rene’s Alternations.
She enjoyed many things in her life. Some of her greatest times were spent with her family. She also enjoyed sewing, traveling with family, beach trips, southern gospel singings, opry music, church functions and her Sunday school class. She is a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Sturgis, MS.
Irene (Rene) is survived by her daughters; Peggy Rose, Starkville, MS and Mona Craig (Jr.), Sturgis, MS, and her sons; Elbert M. Ray, Jr. (Lori), Monroe GA and Sturgis MS, Danny G. Ray (Jennie), Sturgis, MS. She also leaves behind her brothers Billy D. Scarbrough (Jean) and Charles Scarbrough (Diane), both of Starkville, MS, her sisters-in-law, Sandra Scarbrough, Sturgis, MS, and Pat Scarbrough, Columbus, MS, brothers-in-law, Lavern Oglesby, Sturgis, MS and Buddy Ray (Barbara), Mathiston, MS. One of her greatest joys was being "Gram, MawMaw, and Grandmaw" to her ten grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert M. Ray, Sr., infant daughter Julie Dean Ray, granddaughter, Madison Grace Craig and son-in-law, Larry N. Rose, her parents, Charlie and Lodean Scarbrough, infant brother, and baby sister (Sylvia Jean), brothers Johnny G. Scarbrough and Wiley S. Scarbrough and sister Sally S. Oglesby.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at Friendship Baptist Church, 5491 Craig Springs Rd., Sturgis, MS at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 12:00 pm until service time. The burial will follow at Craig Springs Cemetery, Sturgis MS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to E320 Ministries, Junior and Margaret Davis, 3725 Dick Allen Rd., Louisville, MS 39339.
The family would like to extend our greatest appreciation to Kindred Hospice entire staff. We would like to extend a special thank you to Lorena Meacham, Michelle Pittman, Emma Smith, Edwin Edwards and Jackie Nason, her precious niece, for all their love, care, support, and prayers. In addition, a very special thank you to Emily Stricklin, her niece, who cared for her and made her days more pleasurable. Also a very special "Thank You" to everyone for your love and prayers.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
