Deborah Ray, 71, of Washington, D.C

Deborah (Redman) Ray the daughter of William and Johanna Redman was born September 30, 1951 in Washington, DC. On September 8, 2022, Deborah, wife, mother, nana, sister, aunt, godmother, sister-in-law and friend departed this life peacefully.

Educated in Charles County public schools and in Washington D.C. she attended Pomonkey High School, Lackey High School in Indian Head, Maryland and Martha Washington in Washington D.C.  She worked for various government agencies in Washington D.C. and made many friends.  She would often give family solid advice when asked and was a good listener.

Deborah made her 1st Holy Communion and Confirmation at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Church in Indian Head, Maryland.

Deborah met and married Gregory Smith.  They were married for 7 years and although they separated, they remained friends.

She later met and married Eric G. Ray. It was clear that Eric and Deborah were a perfect match for one another because they enjoyed each other's company.  They were in love and loyal to one another for 42 years until she transitioned.

Holidays were especially a favorite time for her. Her special dishes were baked ham/turkey and candied yams.  Deborah loved her family and her grandchildren brought her so much joy!  She was an excellent homemaker, very creative in areas such as sewing, and embroidery.  She made halloween costumes, doll baby clothes  and beautiful easter baskets for children in her family as well as in the neighborhood.  Her Christmas tree was always so beautifully decorated with crystal ornaments.  All of her wrapped gifts, for birthdays, Christmas and special occasions were always so unique with home made or crystal ornaments, no one wanted to even unwrap their gift.

Debbie will be remembered as a loving and caring woman. She was a happy homemaker, with exquisite taste with the design in her home.  She nurtured and cared for many children in the community as well as in her home teaching them, feeding them, and often providing them with basic needs.  Deborah also was a true lover of animals.  Over the years she made a home for her Maltese dogs, hermit crab and 3 homeless cats which she named.  An avid bird watcher, Deborah recognized the sound of various birds and fed them on a regular basis.

Deborah was preceded in death by her father, William, her mother Johanna, and her brother Walter.

Other family members that preceded her in death are her; maternal grandfather Filmore, grandmother Doris, and uncles Jimmy and Shelby.  Deborah's in-laws that preceded her in death are; Harriet, Andreia, Harry Jr., Ronald, Camanche, Lauritz, and Kenneth.

To forever cherish her memory, Deborah leaves a loving and dedicated husband, Eric Ray; her daughter, Monique Michelle Smith; her son Marcus (Sam) Smith (Nena);  4 granddaughters, Syrena, Mercia, Aaliyah, and Vania; 1 grandson Massen; 3 sisters Renee (Simeon), Leah and Joyce; 1 sister-in-law Valarie; 1 brother-in-law, Simeon; 5 nieces, Kim (Fred), Eleshia, Tomora, Syreeta and Charmaine; 2 nephews, Andre and Dwayne; 5 aunts, Phyllis, Doris, Sheila, Marsha, Sheryl; 3 uncles, Keith, Kevin, Kirk, and a hosts of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, family and friends.  Erma and Jaszma were her best friends and she always considered them as her sisters.  Deborah loved Safiya, Imani, Adisa, James, Calvin, Rodney (Joe Rock), and Jhierry as if they were her own.  Deborah had a special place in her heart for her sisters-in-law Harriet, and Andreia (both deceased).

Visitation, 10:30 a.m., until the time of service, 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 23, 2022, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 215 Rhode Island ave NW., Washington, DC 20001.  Interment, Lincoln Cemetery, 4001 Suitland Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746.