Carolyn Ellis Ray, 92, of Indianola, passed away on March 18, 2026, at the Elison Assisted Living in Oxford, MS.

Carolyn was born on June 13, 1933, in Sunflower County, MS, to William Franklin Ellis and Gertrude Stubbs Ellis. She grew up in Rome and Drew. After graduating from Drew High School, Carolyn married Dorsey Owen Ray on August 11, 1951, and their loving relationship lasted 71 years.

She was a devout member of First Baptist Church, Indianola, where she taught Sunday School, Girl's Auxiliary, and sang in the choir. Carolyn had a heart for missions and was a faithful member and leader of the WMU for many years. She was a member of DAR, President of the Ladies Golf Association of Indianola Country Club, President of the Pilot Club, and President of the Town and Country Garden Club of Indianola. Carolyn worked in the Sunflower Tax Assessor/Collector's office for 15 years and then served as Sunflower Tax Assessor/Collector from October 2003 through November 2007.

Her most cherished memories include going to the beach, golfing, and trout fishing with family and friends. She enjoyed playing the piano, playing Mexican train, and working puzzles. She was a friend to many, loved her family, was a devoted wife and mother, and was Meme to her grandchildren.

Carolyn is preceded in death by her husband, Dorsey, her parents, two brothers, and a sister. She is survived by her three children, Cindy Ray Lucas (George) of Oxford, Owen Ray (Lucy Allen) of Germantown, TN, and Lisa Ray Bennett (Greg) of Laurel. She and Dorsey had six grandchildren, Greg Yurkow (Natalie), Andrew Yurkow, of Flowood, Mary Kathryn Yurkow Duke (Edward), of Oxford, Allen Ray Pillai (Raj), David Ray (Lauren), of Germantown TN and Owen Ray, III of Memphis and eleven great grandchildren, Sophie and Amelia Yurkow, Lewis and Jackson Yurkow, Olivia and Ed Duke, Elina, Emma and Lucy Pillai, Wyatt and Puckett Ray. Also, niece Jenny Ellis Gladden (Paul) and nephews Jim Ellis (Freda) and Bruce McShan (Ramona).

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 10:30-11:30 at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall, with the funeral service in the sanctuary at 11:30. Burial will follow at Indianola Cemetery, and Burton Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

The family would like to thank the Gentiva Hospice nurses and caregivers, the nurses and staff at Elison Assisted Living, and Connor Middelton for their generous love and support.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to First Baptist Church,

P.O. Box 366, Indianola, MS 38751; the Baptist Children's Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton MS 39060; or the charity of your choice in her memory.