Today we celebrate the life of our beloved Vivian McMillan Ray. Surrounded by family, Vivian transitioned peacefully on Sunday, December 11, 2022 in Bowie, Maryland, a week before her 89th birthday.
Vivian was born on December 17, 1933 in Bamberg, SC to Carey and Louise McMillan. She was raised on a farm in Bamberg County, where she woke up at dawn to pick cotton, along with her two brothers and six sisters, before the school day began at Carver Elementary School, where her father was the principal. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized and became a member of Williams Chapel Baptist Church. Due to segregation, Vivian and her sisters traveled to Beaufort, SC to attend Mather High School, a private all girls boarding school. She went on to attend the Baptist Missionary Training School in Chicago, IL (now Colgate Rochester School of Divinity) where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Education. She served as a Missionary and Director of Ministries at several churches in the Illinois and Ohio areas before receiving her Master of Science in Secondary Education at South Carolina State College.
Vivian married the love of her life and best friend, Chester A. Ray, Sr. (deceased) on August 16, 1958, and together they moved to Orangeburg, SC. Five children were born from this union: Chester Jr. (deceased), Derek (deceased), Mark (deceased), Vilinda, and David.
Vivian spent 27 years in the educational system as a teacher, guidance counselor, and director of guidance in various Orangeburg School Districts before retiring as Assistant Principal of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School in 1996.
She has been a light of inspiration to so many and her impact continues to be felt throughout Orangeburg, the state of South Carolina, and the United States. This impact was made through her national involvement and membership in such organizations as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Beta Zeta Omega Chapter, Church Women United Inc., Jack and Jill of America Inc., The Links Inc., and Order of the Eastern
As a woman of faith and integrity, Vivian devoted herself to others as an active member of New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Orangeburg where she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Advisor to The Baptist Youth Fellowship, and Director of Vacation Bible School. She was also a faithful member of the Deaconess Board and Hazel Pierce-Victoria Scott Missionary Society.
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, their light
It is impossible to sum up the life of such a beautiful, selfless person who has touched so many lives. Because of her spirit, warmth, generosity, passion, and grace, she was blessed to be acknowledged with many accolades that give just a glimpse into knowing the kind of person she was—the Valiant Woman Award (Church Women United), Mother of the Year Award (Jack and Jill of America), Mrs. Orangeburg-Wilkinson (O-W High School), and countless other service awards for her passionate and humanitarian work for others throughout the decades.
Vivian leaves to cherish her memory, three children: Mark V. Ray (postdeceased) of Des Moines, IA, Vilinda C. (Mark) McCann of Bowie, MD, and David C. (Angela) Ray of Leesburg, VA; daughter-in-law, Mary Ray (Chester Jr.) of Columbia, SC; four sisters: Willie Cam Nimmons of Olar, SC, Clara Coath of Fairfax, SC, Vera Glover (O.E.) of Orangeburg, SC, and Barbara Beard of Cordova, SC; and sisters-in-law, Juanita Kirkland of Brooklyn, NY and Catherine Ray of Erhardt, SC. She will also be lovingly remembered by a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and her loving and devoted caregiver, Laura Wong.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
Presiding Officer: Pastor Todd A. Brown
OPENING HYMN
“How Great Thou Art”
SCRIPTURE READING
Old Testament: Psalm 23 New Testament: John 14: 1-6
PRAYER OF COMFORT
MUSICAL SELECTION
Ms. Kennedy Cymone Bell “You Were Loved”
TRIBUTES
Community: Dr. Bernice Moore-Green Church: Deacon Robert Gathers Family: Mrs. Cheryl Benoit
RESOLUTION
Mrs. Annette Disher
SERMONIC SELECTION
Ms. Kennedy Cymone Bell
“I Need You Now”
WORDS OF COMFORT
Pastor Todd A. Brown
RECESSIONAL
The family wishes to share our heartfelt appreciation and love for your prayers, calls, cards, visits, gifts, and many acts of kindness and expressions of love during this time of bereavement. May God’s grace and mercy follow you all the days of your life.
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Carlton Bell ▪ Gerald DeCosta ▪ Robert Gathers Lewie Roache ▪ Mark Roberts ▪ Paul Robinson ▪ Sheldon Wrice
Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® and The Links Inc.
