Mrs. Robena Rowe Ray, 89, of Raleigh, NC departed this earthly life on Tuesday November 23, 2021. She was the daughter of the late parents, Charles Rowe and Katie Evans Rowe. She was reared in Wake County and predeceased by six brothers, Hezekiah, McKinley, Rudolph, J.D., Leon, and Jewel, and two sisters, Nathlee Carter and Verlinzia Maiden. Robena was educated in Wake County Public Schools. In 1956, she married Howard Ray, Sr, and they were blessed with two sons. She and Deacon Ray were married 57 years until his death in 2014. As a supportive military spouse, she traveled with her husband, while he served in the United States Air Force, and worked various positions in California, Illinois, Maine, and Massachusetts. After settling in Raleigh, Robena performed domestic work and later retired as a nutrition assistant with Wake County Public Schools.
Robena joined Juniper Level Baptist Church at an early age. She later joined her husband at New Providence Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully supported the Saved and Satisfied Senior Years (SASSY) ministry, served on the Food/Kitchen Committee, and served as a Deaconess. Robena was a talented cook known for her excellent made-from-scratch desserts. She always made sure anyone who stopped by her home was fed and satisfied!
Robena will be greatly missed by her sons, Howard, Jr. (Kim) and Eric (Jackie); seven grandchildren, Gekeela Mosley (Brandon), Erica, Clifton (Amber), Tyler, Erin, Megan, and Lexi; two great-grandchildren, Geovanni and Genno Mosley; two brothers, Rulax and Willie (Janie); sisters-in-law Bernice, Sheila, Dorothy Mayo (John), and Mary Crews (Claude); brother-in-law, Virgil, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Funeral service is scheduled for 12:00 noon Tuesday November 30, 2021 at the C.A. Haywood, Sr. Memorial Chapel preceded by an 11:00 AM visitation. Interment will follow in the New Providence Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery. Public Viewing from 2:00 - 8:00 PM Monday November 29, 2021 at Haywood Funeral Home.
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