Gladys West Ray

Gladys West Ray, age 94, of Northport, Alabama, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at Hospice of West Alabama surrounded by her loving family. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday, September 30, 2024, at Magnolia Chapel South with Rev. Drexel Rayford officiating. Entombment will be in Magnolia Mausoleum with Magnolia Chapel South directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sampson E. McGee and Nellie Bell McGee; first husband, Charles Homer West; and second husband, O’Neal Ray.

Survivors include her sons, Charles W. West (Debbi) and Dennis M. West (Cheryl); daughters, Janice Wright and Linda Brett (John); brother, James E. “Buddy” McGee (Carolyn); grandchildren, Emily McCluskey (Brian), Brad West (Gaby), Amy Watkins (Jay); six great-grandchildren, Jayci Harwood (Sam), Drake Kalb, Eloise West, Jack West, Lexi Watkins, and Elizabeth Watkins.

As a devoted Christian, her faith in God was the foundation upon which she built her life. She grew up in Cottondale, was a graduate of Holt High School, and she served as the postmaster for the Cottondale Post Office for over 25 years.

She became a single mother at the age of 30 following the death of her husband, Homer West. She raised two sons and after they were grown and married, she met and married O’Neal Ray. They had a loving marriage for over 29 years, and they loved to travel. They traveled throughout the U.S. attending postal conventions.

She was a loving mother and grandmother and was a generous supporter of her church, Cottondale Christian Church where she was member for over 80 years.

Her legacy of faith, love and resilience will live on through her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were all blessed to have known her love and guidance.

Pallbearers will be Brad West, Brian McCluskey, Sam Harwood, Drake Kalb, David Ember, Raiford “Bo” Wilson, Chris McGee, and Ashley McGee.

Honorary pallbearers are Cottondale Christian Church, staff of Morning Pointe, Barbara Dutton, friends of Pine Valley – Alice, Wanda, and Margaret; Buddy Goodwin, and Gary and Debbie Lee.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of West Alabama or Cottondale Christian Church.