RAY FORREST WILBURN

March 27, 1946 ~ January 4, 2017 (age 70)

Ray Forrest was born on March 27, 1946, to Ester Mae Morrow and Jimmie Duckworth in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the only child of her parents’ union, but one of ten children in her large and loving blended family. Ray was reared by her mother and stepmother, Alex Norment, who passed in 2004. She shared a close relationship with her stepmother, Lula Smith Norment, who preceded her in death.

Her memorial service was held on Saturday January 14, 2017 at 11:00 am at Greater Springfield MB Church in Bolivar, TN with Pastor Robert Parham in charge.  Burial was in the Union Hill MB Cemetery in Whiteville, TN and Dixie Funeral Home www.dixiefuneralhome.com was in charge of the professional service

Throughout her life, Ray was the spouse of Ernest Joe Louis Wilburn, who passed in 2010. Ray and Ernest were parents of Victor Romando Wilburn, Ph.D. Victor and his mother shared a strong bond of love, respect, and devotion.

As a child, Ray professed a hope in Christ and united with her family’s church, Greater Springfield MB Church, where she remained a committed member until her passing. Ray graduated from Bolivar Industrial High School, where she was crowned Miss Bronze West Tennessee. Ray earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Tennessee State University; she then committed 34 years of service to the State of Tennessee mental health facilities.

Ray walked through life demonstrating an unyielding character of grace, dignity, and persistence. After Ray’s mother passed when she was a teenager, she became a mother figure to her four young sisters, with whom she shared an ongoing relationship filled with love and dedication.

Throughout Hardeman County, Ray was well known as she walked a path following her own spirit. She had a unique fashion sense and a collection of beautiful bold bangles, which she wore with style. Anyone who knew Ray knew that she loved Al Green and his music, and that she was a fan of the blues.  She also was an avid collector of many things, including elephant statues.

Ray’s greatest collection is the many family members and friends who loved her for being herself and will miss her dearly.

In addition to her son, Victor R. Wilburn, Ray leaves to cherish her memories her siblings: Thomas Ray Butler (Jean) of Farmington Hills, MI; James (Patricia) Morrow of Bolivar; Gwendolyn Bonner of Germantown, TN; Lynn Aurelia Norment of Chicago, IL; Vickie (Robert) Collins of Canfield, OH; Cedric Smith of St. Louis; Pamela (Robert) Washington of Asheville, NC; and brother-in-law, Danny Woods of Bolivar. Ray’s younger sister, Sharon Telightha Woods, preceded her in death. Also mourning Ray’s passing are her numerous nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, and many friends. 

 Service Information