Athalene Odom Ray
July 8, 1931 – June 21, 2025

Athalene Odom Ray, 93, of Ellisville, MS, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at  Guardian Angels personal care home in Ellisville, MS. Born in Ellisville on July 8, 1931, Athalene lived a long and fulfilling life alongside her beloved husband of 66 years, William Dolphus Ray, Jr. Together, they lived in Alaska, Alabama, California, Nevada, Canada and England during his time of service with the United States Air Force before retiring in Ellisville where they both grew up.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her son, Daniel Edward Ray; her father, Ira Guy Odom; her mother, Ethel Walters Odom; and her sisters, Elby Boutwell, Inez Boutwell, and Elaine Glisson.

Athalene will be greatly missed by her sons, Greg Ray (Debbie) and Ricky Ray, both of Ellisville. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Tracie Ray Buckner (Brent) of Hoover, Ala., Justin Ray (Mandy) of Alexandria, Va., Kelly Ray (Wendy) of Gulfport, and Brandon Ray of Ellisville, as well as her great grandchildren, Connor Ray, Caiden Ray, Maddox Ray and Drew Davis. A host of nieces and nephews also survive her.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at  Ellisville Funeral Home, located at 1204 B Ave., Ellisville, Mississippi. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location, with burial to take place at Ellisville City Cemetery. Arrangements are being managed by Ellisville Funeral Home, and condolences may be shared online at www.ellisvillefuneralhome.com.