Effie Jane Whisnant Ray

Effie Jane Whisnant Ray, 82, of Marion, died, Tuesday, February 17, 2004, at Valdese General Hospital.

Born in Burke County to the late Amos Whisnant and Hester Orders Whisnant, she was a homemaker and was a member of State Street Church of God. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Clyde James Ray.

She is survived by seven sons, Bobby Ray of Icard, Billy Whisnant of Morganton, Jimmy Ray of Marion, Mack Allen Ray of Morganton, Michael Ray of Marion, LeRoy Ray of Lenoir and Amos Ray of Spartanburg, S.C.; two daughters, Brenda Whisnant of Morganton and Lisa Ray of Morganton; two sisters, AsaLee Barnes of Hickory and Edacate of Shelby; 18 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, 2004, at the Bethel Baptist Church with the Revs. Marvin Ford, Jim Brewer and Jimmy Upton officiating. Interment will follow at the McDowell Memorial Park. The family will receive friends today, Feb. 19, 2004 beginning at 7 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church.