Ray
WAYCROSS — Miss Olivia Grace Ray, 17, was born on March 26, 2008, to her parents, Scott and Jeri Ray. She passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 13, 2025.
A truly beautiful soul, Miss Ray lived a life marked by joy, faith, and an extraordi-nary love for others. To know her was to love her.
She was a senior at Ware County High School, where she was recently voted Most Memorable by her graduating class, an honor that perfectly reflected the lasting impact she had on everyone around her. She was a varsity sideline cheerleader and had competed as both an All-Star and sideline cheerleader for almost a decade. In addition, she was the beloved WCHS Gator mascot for the last two years. Miss Ray embodied the true spirit of a cheerleader, not only in athletics, but in life, by lifting others up, encouraging without hesitation, and loving with her whole heart.
In addition to cheer, she was actively involved in numerous organizations and teams, including the WCHS Swim Team, the First Southern Junior Board of Directors, the Hospice Junior Board of Directors, Beta Club, FCA, and DECA. Miss Ray also was a devoted member of the Zion Hill Baptist Church youth group, where her faith in Jesus shone brightly through the way she loved and served others.
After graduation, Miss Ray planned to attend South Georgia State College to pursue a degree in education and become an elementary school teacher. Her love for children, natural compassion, and joyful spirit made teaching a perfect calling, and she was already impacting young lives in the way she loved and served others.
She had a gift for bringing happiness wherever she went. Miss Ray enjoyed babysitting and dog sitting, creating beautiful balloon arches for events, and dressing up as fun characters for children’s parties, which brought laughter and smiles to countless families. Babies and children adored her, and her gentle heart, contagious smile, and joyful laugh could light up any room.
Above all, Miss Ray loved deeply and lived boldly. Her faith was evident not only in her words but in her actions. She was a light in a dark world, and her impact will forever be felt by her family, friends, classmates, teammates, church family, and community.
Miss Ray is survived by her parents, Scott and Jeri Ray of Waycross; twin brother, Jackson Ray of Waycross; maternal grandparents, Carl and Jeannie Nolte of Waycross; paternal grandparents, Jimmy and Joann Ray of Hoboken; maternal great-grandmother, Ruth Nolte of Fleming Island, Fla.; paternal great grandmother Mary Barnes of Waycross; aunts and uncles, Carli Petit (Chris) of Marion, N.C., and Dustin Ray (Jessica) of Hoboken; cousins, Annistin Ray, Tucker Ray, Delaney Ray, and Declan Ray of Hoboken; along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Miss Ray’s precious daughter, Lakelyn Grace Ray Turner was born and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 13, 2025. She passed alongside her beloved mother, Olivia Grace Ray. Though her time on this earth was brief, her life was deeply meaningful and surrounded by immeasurable love.
Lakelyn is survived by her father, Peyton McKenzie Turner of Blackshear; maternal grandparents, Scott and Jeri Ray of Waycross; paternal grandmother, Jennifer Turner; uncle and aunts, Jackson Ray of Waycross, Cora Bess of Blackshear, and Dallas Sapp of Waycross; along with numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Though our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Miss Ray is now at peace, worshipping at the feet of Jesus. Her life leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, faith, and light that will continue to shine through all who were blessed to know her.
In a dark world, be more like Miss Ray, and be a Ray of Sunshine to everyone around you.
A funeral service was held December 20 in the Ware County Middle School Auditorium with attendees requested to wear pink in honor of Miss Ray and Lakelyn.
Burial followed in Greenlawn Cemetery. The WCHS Class of 2026 served as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Olivia Ray Fund at First Southern Bank. Each year, the First Southern Bank Junior Board of Directors lead a community-focused initiative, and this year the students are raising funds to support the CM1 Legacy Foundation in memory of their classmate and friend, Caden Musgrove.
Miss Ray was deeply passionate about this project and was eager to see it begin. The CM1 Legacy Foundation provides annual scholarships to Ware County High School graduating seniors.
