Brenda K. Ray was a wise, strong, fun, quick-witted, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend.

Brenda was the first of six children born to Ernestine and Cecil, in Akron, Ohio on March 18, 1955. Brenda grew up in a Godly home on the central side of Akron, Ohio where she went to school and developed relationships with people who would soon grow to love and respect her as a friend and sister. That is where she met the father of her first son, but that did not stop her from graduating from Central Hower High School. Brenda spent two years and Hammel College studying to become an office manager and soon after began working for the Akron Urban League before she moved on to State Farm Insurance. Within that time, she met the father of her second son. Brenda raised two boys who she kept safe, fed, and a roof over their heads. Brenda loved everyone she met, and she treat everyone the same, even if you were not really family, she didn't care what color you were or where you came from.

Brenda's family was her peace and joy, she loved them and took care of them all. She loved to cook, and she made the best dressing and sweet potato pie ever! She loved to listen to Blue and hometown bands, dancing and singing with friends. Down home blues was her favorite song, last two dollars. Brenda also loved going to the casino and traveling as much as she could.

Brenda is preceded in death by her mother, Ernestine Shelton; father, Cecil Adams; brothers, Ronald Ray, James T Ray, Robert Lee Ray "Roach", Billy Ray and Oliver.

She is survived by her best friend and loving partner of 40 years, William Alford; two loving sons, Dewan "Jamie" Ray and Deon Ray; siblings, Donald Ray Blackly Dewoin Adams and Sandra Adams; bonus children, Liz, Dominic, William Jr. and Tim Alford; grandchildren, Deiona, Deonta, Deon Jr., Derick, Meyki, Dawonna, Brandi, Brad, and Jessica. niece and nephew, Tessica Moore, Kyle, Dakota, Vershawn, and Temica; special friend, Betty Alford; and a host of many other loved ones and friends.