EVANG. DR. MARY V. CLARK RAY, 73, of Fort Wayne, departed this life Monday, May 2, 2005, at home. She was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Albert and Neversia Jackson Clark. Dr. Ray was born in El Paso, Texas on June 17, 1931. She was a retired principal with Fort Wayne Community Schools (FWCS), an avid Christian worker and community leader. Her educational background included earning a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Earlham College, Richmond, Ind.; and a Master of Science from Indiana University (IU), Bloomington, Ind. She also acquired many post-graduate hours, receiving State Certification yielding an equivalent of three Masters in School Guidance and Counseling, from Saint Francis College (now the University of Saint Francis), Fort Wayne.; and IU Bloomington; Adult Basic Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, Mich. and IU Bloomington; School Administration, Ball State University, Muncie, Ind. and Purdue University, Fort Wayne. She was just short a few hours of completing a Doctorate in Education from Ball State University, when she fell sick during the 1970's, and was unable to finish; however she did receive an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities and Religion from Cornerstone Christian College, in 2004. Among the many endeavors she accomplished, some of the highlights of her life included the love for helping others through teaching, preaching, singing, civic work and "board work" in various parts of the non-profit sector. She was also graced with the honor of becoming the first African American resident to be hired as a teacher at FWCS (1954). In 1956, she was joined in holy matrimony to Rev. Dr. Olden McKinley Ray Sr. formerly of Asheville, N.C. [who is the founder and Pastor of Chapel of the Road Church/Chapel of the Road Telecast (via Channel 57, Fort Wayne, Indiana)]. On March 31, 2005 they celebrated 49 years of marriage. To this union, God granted four children (including a set of twins); the gift of a daughter-in-law; a son-in-law and six grandchildren. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Rev. Dr. Olden M. Ray Sr. She also leaves behind four children, twins Rev. Ola J. Ray of Fort Wayne and Olden M. Ray Jr. of Columbus, Ohio, Jonathan C. (Rhonda L.) Ray and Sandra D. (Thomas) Ray-Vaz, both of Fort Wayne; two brothers, Kenny Clark of New York, N.Y. and Wade Clark of Atlanta, Ga.; six grandchildren, Rashida, Bomani, Amani, Jabar, Niomi and Xavier; and a host of other relatives, friends and acquaintances. Service is 1 p.m. Saturday at Life Bridge Church, 1400 W. Washington Center Road, with calling one hour before the service and from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Burial in Lindenwood Cemetery. Arrangements by Ellis Funeral Home. 0