Mary Blue Ray

Mary Blue Ray, 70, of Charlotte, entered into rest on August 30, 2017 at her residence. A native of Davidson County, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Arnold and Mary Blue Ray. Mary worked at Thalheimer's Department Store in Winston Salem and Belk Department Store in Charlotte for over 20 years where she retired as Head Buyer for Women's Fashions. She later worked in the Hospitality Suite of Southpark Mall and opened a successful, annual Christmas store, "Season's Greetings". Mary subsequently worked at Windwood Antiques from 1999-2004 before becoming the manager of Brass Exchange Home from 2006-2017. Mary was adored by her customers and employees, who describe her as a hard-working and dedicated woman who always took the time to laugh and share stories. Mary is survived by her sister, Ann Ray Parks of Lexington, NC; by a nephew, Chuck Parks and his wife Melissa; and by her grand-nephew and niece, Charlie and Avery. A time of remembrance will be held in the Chapel of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service on Thursday, September 7 from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. Please come and share as we remember Mary, who we loved for her gentle ways, her sense of humor and her great love of animals. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Humane Society of Charlotte; 2700 Toomey Ave, Charlotte, NC 28203 or to the Houston SPCA (for animals displaced by Hurricane Harvey), 900 Portway Drive Houston, TX 77024. Arrangements are in care of Hankins and Whittington Funeral Service, Charlotte, NC. Please share online condolences at www.hankinsandwhittington.com.