Alleen W. Ray

Alleen W. Ray, 97, of Cleveland, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 surrounded by her daughters.

She was affectionately known as “NeeNee” by all her family.  Alleen enjoyed cooking, crocheting, sewing, cruises, family vacations, walks on the beach, music, sports, especially bowling, basketball and hikes to the ‘ole home place.  She was a magnet to children, and her greatest joy was spending time with family.  Alleen had a love and eye for fashion, and also she especially enjoyed lovingly hand stitching quilts for each member of her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Calvin Ray; parents, Robert N. and Annabelle Woody; siblings, Bernard Woody and Barbara Campbell.

Survivors include her loving daughters, Sandra Allen and her husband, Paul D. Allen, Debbie Smith and her husband, Dr. Jimmy Smith; grandchildren, Sherri Lynn (Steve) Love, Anthony Scott (Donna) Massie, Robert (Nina) Kelly, Jason (Tonya) Smith, JoAnna Otero and Kayce Anne Smith; great-grandchildren, Kalif Dakota Massie, Elizabeth Smith and Ayden Otero; sister, Berniece W. Pack.  Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

A special thank you to Dr. Mark Heinsohn, who lovingly took care of “NeeNee”.

A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 28, 2021 in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Reverend Robby Hatcher officiating.  Interment will follow at Benton Memorial Gardens with her grandsons and great-grandsons serving as pallbearers.

Her family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Sunday prior to the service, at the funeral home.

Because of her love for children, in lieu of flowers, donations in her name can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.