Wendi Denise Ray

Fourmile

Wendi Denise Ray, 40, born on May 28, 1972, of Fourmile, went home to be with Jesus on Dec. 31, 2012, at Brookwood Medical Center. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Jan. 4, 2013, at Bethel Baptist Church on Highway 25 in Columbiana with burial at Pinelawn Gardens in Columbiana. Visitation will be at Bethel Baptist Church on Jan. 3 from 4-7 p.m. Services will be officiated by her Auburn buddy, Bro. John Willis.

Wendi was born with Down Syndrome and was given a small chance of survival but she surpassed all expectations. Wendi was a 1992 graduate of Shelby County High School. She went on to travel the United States to compete in Special Olympics national bowling tournaments. She was also a motivation speaker for them. Wendi also loved her Alabama Crimson Tide. Wendi’s greatest contribution was Matthew 22:37-39, “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Those of us who were blessed to be on the receiving end of her love have become better people because of it and will not allow her legacy to fade. Though cancer took her hair, her health and her life, it did not take her hope, her spirit or her smile.

She was preceded in death by her “Papa,” Elmer Bird, and “Granddaddy,” Truitt C. Ray. She is survived by her parents, Larry and Sallie Ray of Fourmile; her “Bubba” and “Hero” Daryl Ray (Heather); nephew, Parker; niece Elizabeth; her precious pup dog, Bama; her “Nanny,” Inez Bird; her “Grandmother,” Bobbie Ray; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Please leave your online condolences at Boltonfuneralhome.com.

Please send flowers or donate in Wendi’s memory to the Special Olympics or the Breast Cancer Research Foundation of Alabama at BCRFA.org.