Maxine Thompson Ray

Maxine Thompson Ray, 84, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 26, 2023, at Annie Penn Hospital in Reidsville, N.C.

Maxine was born May 16, 1938, to the late Henry Wilson Thompson and Bessie Mae Simpson Thompson. She grew up on a farm with her two late sisters, Edna Earle Marshall and Henrietta Sharpe, in the Bethany community, where she lived her whole life. On August 23, 1958, Maxine married the love of her life, Roy Alvis Ray, and they spent 59 wonderful years together. Maxine was known for her warm, compassionate spirit, and wanted everyone to feel the love of Jesus. She knew someone just about everywhere she went. Maxine was a lifelong member of Sharon Baptist Church. She worked at Sears from 1958-1969 before becoming a teacher’s assistant at Bethany Elementary School, where she stayed until retirement. She drove a school bus for more than 40 years, even after retiring. Maxine touched the lives of thousands of students and found joy in getting to know each one. She had a servant’s heart and was always ready to help others. She loved her family deeply and never hesitated to call to check on them. In her later years, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and became an avid puzzler.

Maxine is preceded in death by her loving husband, Roy. The family finds peace in knowing Maxine and Roy are together again.

She is survived by her two children: Avery Brant Ray and his wife Joyce, and Rhonda Hudson and her husband Richard Thomas; four grandchildren: Benjamin Ray, Molly Ray, Candice Hudson, and Caroline Hudson and her husband Jonathan Rucker; and an extended family and many friends.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 29, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Sharon Baptist Church in Reidsville. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday, January 28, 2023, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wilkerson Funeral Home in Reidsville.

The family would like to thank the staff at Annie Penn for providing exceptional care in her final days. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice.