Monica Ray Raines

Monica Hellene Ray Raines aka “Memello/Momma Bear” passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022 with a smile on her face at Coliseum Convalescent & Rehab. in Hampton, Va.

Monica was born in Fayetteville, N.C. and graduated from Terry Sanford High School in 1980. Monica entered the military right after graduation, served 4 years in the United States Air Force as a firefighter, and was honorably discharged in 1985. Monica enjoyed living life to the fullest and always endeavored to make others laugh, even when she was not feeling well. She had a very infectious smile and passed that on to Curtis Michael and Tiffany. She sacrificed for those she loved and if she called you a friend, you had a friend indeed! Monica knew her way around the kitchen and made a mean, mean macaroni & cheese dish and very often, strictly for her Uncle Albert. Her fried chicken was legendary and according to Tiffany, her cakes were too, especially her pecan cake with fresh pecans and her strawberry and chocolate yellow cakes with chocolate frosting, Hmmm Good!!! Monica loved Gospel, R&B, Old School, and Jazz music. Two of her favorite artists were Michael Franks and Charlie Wilson.

Monica was predeceased by her son, Curtis Michael Ray and that loss proved to be a load that was too hard for her to bear. Those remaining to cherish Monica are daughter, Tiffany Ray, lovingly called her “Chocolate Chip”, Carrollton, VA; mother, Annie R Odom, Fayetteville, N.C; sister, Felicia R. Renfro, Fayetteville, NC; brothers, James L. Renfro, Fayetteville, NC and David W. Allen(Tahryah) Fairburn, GA; uncle, Billy Jamal, Philadelphia, PA; aunt, Brenda Hayes(Albert,) Columbus, GA; daughter-in-law, Flor Deniz Ray, Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren, Alex Barragan, Alan Barragan, Camilla Ray, and Sebastian Ray; daughter-in-law, Patricia Diaz Denver, CO; grandchild, Jullien Ray; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loving and supportive friends, Millie Hopkins, Suffolk, VA; William Burnham, Chesapeake, VA; Sarah Malcolm, Atlanta, GA; Momma Marsha, Atlanta, GA; special cousins, Shirley Williams, Goldsboro, NC; Teresa Green(Carlos,) Covington, GA; Tasha Bolton, Columbus, Ohio and Big Curt(Lynn,) Carrollton, VA.

 Really Gonna Miss You.

A Celebration of Life will be held 12:00pm on Monday, May 9, 2022 at Shivers Funeral Chapel. Viewing will be held from 10am until the time of the service on Monday, May 9th. Ms Raines is in the loving and professional care of Shivers Funeral Chapel. Please keep the Raines family in your prayers.