Marian Elizabeth Ray, 83, of Marietta, died July 16, 2017. Funeral services were held in the chapel of Marietta Funeral Home with Dr. Wayne Fain officiating. Burial was in the St. James Episcopal Cemetery.
Marian was raised in Marietta, Georgia. Her father worked at the Bell Bomber plant (now Lockheed) in Marietta. Her loving mother was a housewife and very devoted Christian. Times were hard for the family and Marian growing up. Marian learned to take responsibility early, which drove her to set goals and always strive to do her best. She lied about her age to get a job as a typist at the Bell Bomber plant when she was just 14 years old. She gave almost all of her earnings to her father to help support the family.
Due to hardships at home, Marian left home without finishing high school and married at an earlier age to O’Neal Davenport. They had one son together, Gerald (Jerry) Davenport. The young couple, with Marian working hard on building a new home in Woodstock (literally constructing a new home and doing much of the work herself). O’Neal enlisted in the military and was transferred to another base in different state while Marian stayed behind and finished working on the home and raising Jerry.
Later, Marian met and married Arthur (Art) Coomer, who was stationed at Dobbins Air Force Base. They had two children Norman and Cheli. The family was stationed in several places throughout Art’s Air Force career, including Bermuda, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tampa Florida, and Kansas City Missouri, which is where Art finally retired. After Art’s retirement, the family was headed to Pensacola, FL, but due to Marian’s father falling ill in Woodstock, the family settled in Woodstock where Marian’s father Norman soon passed away in 1972.
When Marian and Art parted ways in the mid 70’s, Marian knew she had to provide for her family. She was a proud independent woman and was not at all interested in accepting aid (which at the time she would have qualified for). She worked a full time job at Basic Leasing Corporation during the day, and also worked a full time job at Northwest Telephone Answering Service at night. She even tried to sell Shaklee products on the side for a while (but the kids ate up the chocolate protein bars). While this took time away from her kids, she spent weekends catching up and doing fun activities with them, such as bowling; taking drives and having picnics at Lake Allatoona, or going to the Beach at Red Top Mountain. Her children could see how very hard their mother worked and all she sacrificed to provide and care for her kids. The children didn’t understand it at the time, but Marian taught her children how to be strong, independent, persevere and to work hard for what you want to accomplish in life. That it doesn’t come easy - you must be willing to work hard for it.
Later in life, Marian married her teenage sweetheart, Mr. James Henry Ray of Marietta and part owner of Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home. She enjoyed her life with James; they traveled many places together, all throughout Europe, and they participated together in many civic activities as well. She participated in the Women’s Business Association and was featured in the Who’s Who of Business Owners of Cobb County. She was a member of the DAV Auxiliary and a member of the Kennesaw Mountain Shrine Club Motorettes and of the Lady Jesters of Yaarab Temple. She assisted her husband James Ray on the North Georgia State Fair board. They made many close friendships throughout the years in serving the community together. They shared an enormous love for their dogs throughout their years. Marian’s love for all God’s animals and their rights were so strong that she became a vegetarian about 20 years ago. Her dogs Boots and Buffy are two of the most beloved and pampered pets you’d ever meet.
At the age of 81, Marian finally thought it was about time to retire; maybe try to slow down a bit. She sold Northwest Answering Service, which she now owned for about 18 years, and didn’t look back. Unfortunately, James passed soon after her retirement and Marian didn’t have as much on her plate to look after. With dementia setting in on her long life at a time she when was finally able to let work go just doesn’t seem fair. But, Marian had worked from age 14 to 81. Besides caring for others in her life, working hard was what she knew best and had done all her life. At age 81, there were no hobbies, there was no part-time job to occupy her now, just her pets, and children. Even though her kids tried to interest her with activities at the senior center, she would say “Hmmf, I am not going to the senior center and hang around those old people.”
Marian’s children would say the she was one of the most strong-willed, independent woman you’d ever meet. She could be stubborn on some things as well if she felt a strong conviction. She said what she meant and she meant what she said. You knew where you stood. She had a high moral character and expected the best from those she loved and cared about. Above all else, she always remained a Lady. Paying close attention to her manners, appearance and her integrity. She was also very quick to help someone in need. Especially those who tried to help themselves. She was very generous with her time and money when someone needed help.
From the ground up, Marian became a strong business woman; As a single mother, she had raised her children through very tight times; to still be loving, gentle and selfless even when she was worried inside. She always set a good example. Every moment was a teaching moment to her kids. She rarely ever needed to raise her voice. All she had to do was give you that “look,” saying a short piece about what she expected, and “boom” that was it. From that moment on you knew what you had to do because you didn’t want to suffer any consequences or have to endure that “look” again.
Survivors include her sons Jerald “Jerry” O’Neal Davenport (Vicky) of Kennesaw and Norman Arthur Coomer of Marietta; daughter Cheli Kathleen Coomer Barie (Joseph) of Mystic, CT; sister, Marie Perry of NC; brother, George Adams of Dallas; and grandchildren Tabatha Allen of Dallas, Tanya Willoughby of Fairmont, Robert Comerford of RI, and Jack Barie of CT; great grandchildren Tyler (TJ) Davenport, Kayla Brown, Ian Willoughby, and Asia Allen; great great grandchildren Colton Brown and Annikyn Brown. She is preceded in death by her husband James Henry Ray; parents Norman and Mary Adams; sister Barbara Ann Cordell; and brother Norman Lamar Adams.
There are so many fond memories of laughter, silliness together of us “gallivanting around” as she would say. She was a wonderful, beloved mother, who also had to be a father, friend, and disciplinarian. She will always be admired, loved, respected, and cherished. Her children will always feel blessed that they were the lucky ones who got to be her children.
The family would like to thank JoJo Home Health Care Services, particularly Sharon Britto, Theresa Walker, and Joan Lewis, and WellStar Tranquility Hospice at Cobb Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Yaarab Temple Hospital Fund c/o Kennesaw Mountain Shrine Club, PO Box 496, Marietta, GA 30061. Marietta Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Marian was raised in Marietta, Georgia. Her father worked at the Bell Bomber plant (now Lockheed) in Marietta. Her loving mother was a housewife and very devoted Christian. Times were hard for the family and Marian growing up. Marian learned to take responsibility early, which drove her to set goals and always strive to do her best. She lied about her age to get a job as a typist at the Bell Bomber plant when she was just 14 years old. She gave almost all of her earnings to her father to help support the family.
Due to hardships at home, Marian left home without finishing high school and married at an earlier age to O’Neal Davenport. They had one son together, Gerald (Jerry) Davenport. The young couple, with Marian working hard on building a new home in Woodstock (literally constructing a new home and doing much of the work herself). O’Neal enlisted in the military and was transferred to another base in different state while Marian stayed behind and finished working on the home and raising Jerry.
Later, Marian met and married Arthur (Art) Coomer, who was stationed at Dobbins Air Force Base. They had two children Norman and Cheli. The family was stationed in several places throughout Art’s Air Force career, including Bermuda, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tampa Florida, and Kansas City Missouri, which is where Art finally retired. After Art’s retirement, the family was headed to Pensacola, FL, but due to Marian’s father falling ill in Woodstock, the family settled in Woodstock where Marian’s father Norman soon passed away in 1972.
When Marian and Art parted ways in the mid 70’s, Marian knew she had to provide for her family. She was a proud independent woman and was not at all interested in accepting aid (which at the time she would have qualified for). She worked a full time job at Basic Leasing Corporation during the day, and also worked a full time job at Northwest Telephone Answering Service at night. She even tried to sell Shaklee products on the side for a while (but the kids ate up the chocolate protein bars). While this took time away from her kids, she spent weekends catching up and doing fun activities with them, such as bowling; taking drives and having picnics at Lake Allatoona, or going to the Beach at Red Top Mountain. Her children could see how very hard their mother worked and all she sacrificed to provide and care for her kids. The children didn’t understand it at the time, but Marian taught her children how to be strong, independent, persevere and to work hard for what you want to accomplish in life. That it doesn’t come easy - you must be willing to work hard for it.
Later in life, Marian married her teenage sweetheart, Mr. James Henry Ray of Marietta and part owner of Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home. She enjoyed her life with James; they traveled many places together, all throughout Europe, and they participated together in many civic activities as well. She participated in the Women’s Business Association and was featured in the Who’s Who of Business Owners of Cobb County. She was a member of the DAV Auxiliary and a member of the Kennesaw Mountain Shrine Club Motorettes and of the Lady Jesters of Yaarab Temple. She assisted her husband James Ray on the North Georgia State Fair board. They made many close friendships throughout the years in serving the community together. They shared an enormous love for their dogs throughout their years. Marian’s love for all God’s animals and their rights were so strong that she became a vegetarian about 20 years ago. Her dogs Boots and Buffy are two of the most beloved and pampered pets you’d ever meet.
At the age of 81, Marian finally thought it was about time to retire; maybe try to slow down a bit. She sold Northwest Answering Service, which she now owned for about 18 years, and didn’t look back. Unfortunately, James passed soon after her retirement and Marian didn’t have as much on her plate to look after. With dementia setting in on her long life at a time she when was finally able to let work go just doesn’t seem fair. But, Marian had worked from age 14 to 81. Besides caring for others in her life, working hard was what she knew best and had done all her life. At age 81, there were no hobbies, there was no part-time job to occupy her now, just her pets, and children. Even though her kids tried to interest her with activities at the senior center, she would say “Hmmf, I am not going to the senior center and hang around those old people.”
Marian’s children would say the she was one of the most strong-willed, independent woman you’d ever meet. She could be stubborn on some things as well if she felt a strong conviction. She said what she meant and she meant what she said. You knew where you stood. She had a high moral character and expected the best from those she loved and cared about. Above all else, she always remained a Lady. Paying close attention to her manners, appearance and her integrity. She was also very quick to help someone in need. Especially those who tried to help themselves. She was very generous with her time and money when someone needed help.
From the ground up, Marian became a strong business woman; As a single mother, she had raised her children through very tight times; to still be loving, gentle and selfless even when she was worried inside. She always set a good example. Every moment was a teaching moment to her kids. She rarely ever needed to raise her voice. All she had to do was give you that “look,” saying a short piece about what she expected, and “boom” that was it. From that moment on you knew what you had to do because you didn’t want to suffer any consequences or have to endure that “look” again.
Survivors include her sons Jerald “Jerry” O’Neal Davenport (Vicky) of Kennesaw and Norman Arthur Coomer of Marietta; daughter Cheli Kathleen Coomer Barie (Joseph) of Mystic, CT; sister, Marie Perry of NC; brother, George Adams of Dallas; and grandchildren Tabatha Allen of Dallas, Tanya Willoughby of Fairmont, Robert Comerford of RI, and Jack Barie of CT; great grandchildren Tyler (TJ) Davenport, Kayla Brown, Ian Willoughby, and Asia Allen; great great grandchildren Colton Brown and Annikyn Brown. She is preceded in death by her husband James Henry Ray; parents Norman and Mary Adams; sister Barbara Ann Cordell; and brother Norman Lamar Adams.
There are so many fond memories of laughter, silliness together of us “gallivanting around” as she would say. She was a wonderful, beloved mother, who also had to be a father, friend, and disciplinarian. She will always be admired, loved, respected, and cherished. Her children will always feel blessed that they were the lucky ones who got to be her children.
The family would like to thank JoJo Home Health Care Services, particularly Sharon Britto, Theresa Walker, and Joan Lewis, and WellStar Tranquility Hospice at Cobb Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Yaarab Temple Hospital Fund c/o Kennesaw Mountain Shrine Club, PO Box 496, Marietta, GA 30061. Marietta Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Marian Elizabeth Ray, 83, of Marietta, died July 16, 2017. Funeral services were held in the chapel of Marietta Funeral Home with Dr. Wayne Fain officiating. Burial was in the St. James Episcopal Cemetery.
Marian was raised in Marietta, Georgia. Her father worked at the Bell Bomber plant (now Lockheed) in Marietta. Her loving mother was a housewife and very devoted Christian. Times were hard for the family and Marian growing up. Marian learned to take responsibility early, which drove her to set goals and always strive to do her best. She lied about her age to get a job as a typist at the Bell Bomber plant when she was just 14 years old. She gave almost all of her earnings to her father to help support the family.
Due to hardships at home, Marian left home without finishing high school and married at an earlier age to O’Neal Davenport. They had one son together, Gerald (Jerry) Davenport. The young couple, with Marian working hard on building a new home in Woodstock (literally constructing a new home and doing much of the work herself). O’Neal enlisted in the military and was transferred to another base in different state while Marian stayed behind and finished working on the home and raising Jerry.
Later, Marian met and married Arthur (Art) Coomer, who was stationed at Dobbins Air Force Base. They had two children Norman and Cheli. The family was stationed in several places throughout Art’s Air Force career, including Bermuda, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tampa Florida, and Kansas City Missouri, which is where Art finally retired. After Art’s retirement, the family was headed to Pensacola, FL, but due to Marian’s father falling ill in Woodstock, the family settled in Woodstock where Marian’s father Norman soon passed away in 1972.
When Marian and Art parted ways in the mid 70’s, Marian knew she had to provide for her family. She was a proud independent woman and was not at all interested in accepting aid (which at the time she would have qualified for). She worked a full time job at Basic Leasing Corporation during the day, and also worked a full time job at Northwest Telephone Answering Service at night. She even tried to sell Shaklee products on the side for a while (but the kids ate up the chocolate protein bars). While this took time away from her kids, she spent weekends catching up and doing fun activities with them, such as bowling; taking drives and having picnics at Lake Allatoona, or going to the Beach at Red Top Mountain. Her children could see how very hard their mother worked and all she sacrificed to provide and care for her kids. The children didn’t understand it at the time, but Marian taught her children how to be strong, independent, persevere and to work hard for what you want to accomplish in life. That it doesn’t come easy - you must be willing to work hard for it.
Later in life, Marian married her teenage sweetheart, Mr. James Henry Ray of Marietta and part owner of Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home. She enjoyed her life with James; they traveled many places together, all throughout Europe, and they participated together in many civic activities as well. She participated in the Women’s Business Association and was featured in the Who’s Who of Business Owners of Cobb County. She was a member of the DAV Auxiliary and a member of the Kennesaw Mountain Shrine Club Motorettes and of the Lady Jesters of Yaarab Temple. She assisted her husband James Ray on the North Georgia State Fair board. They made many close friendships throughout the years in serving the community together. They shared an enormous love for their dogs throughout their years. Marian’s love for all God’s animals and their rights were so strong that she became a vegetarian about 20 years ago. Her dogs Boots and Buffy are two of the most beloved and pampered pets you’d ever meet.
At the age of 81, Marian finally thought it was about time to retire; maybe try to slow down a bit. She sold Northwest Answering Service, which she now owned for about 18 years, and didn’t look back. Unfortunately, James passed soon after her retirement and Marian didn’t have as much on her plate to look after. With dementia setting in on her long life at a time she when was finally able to let work go just doesn’t seem fair. But, Marian had worked from age 14 to 81. Besides caring for others in her life, working hard was what she knew best and had done all her life. At age 81, there were no hobbies, there was no part-time job to occupy her now, just her pets, and children. Even though her kids tried to interest her with activities at the senior center, she would say “Hmmf, I am not going to the senior center and hang around those old people.”
Marian’s children would say the she was one of the most strong-willed, independent woman you’d ever meet. She could be stubborn on some things as well if she felt a strong conviction. She said what she meant and she meant what she said. You knew where you stood. She had a high moral character and expected the best from those she loved and cared about. Above all else, she always remained a Lady. Paying close attention to her manners, appearance and her integrity. She was also very quick to help someone in need. Especially those who tried to help themselves. She was very generous with her time and money when someone needed help.
From the ground up, Marian became a strong business woman; As a single mother, she had raised her children through very tight times; to still be loving, gentle and selfless even when she was worried inside. She always set a good example. Every moment was a teaching moment to her kids. She rarely ever needed to raise her voice. All she had to do was give you that “look,” saying a short piece about what she expected, and “boom” that was it. From that moment on you knew what you had to do because you didn’t want to suffer any consequences or have to endure that “look” again.
Survivors include her sons Jerald “Jerry” O’Neal Davenport (Vicky) of Kennesaw and Norman Arthur Coomer of Marietta; daughter Cheli Kathleen Coomer Barie (Joseph) of Mystic, CT; sister, Marie Perry of NC; brother, George Adams of Dallas; and grandchildren Tabatha Allen of Dallas, Tanya Willoughby of Fairmont, Robert Comerford of RI, and Jack Barie of CT; great grandchildren Tyler (TJ) Davenport, Kayla Brown, Ian Willoughby, and Asia Allen; great great grandchildren Colton Brown and Annikyn Brown. She is preceded in death by her husband James Henry Ray; parents Norman and Mary Adams; sister Barbara Ann Cordell; and brother Norman Lamar Adams.
There are so many fond memories of laughter, silliness together of us “gallivanting around” as she would say. She was a wonderful, beloved mother, who also had to be a father, friend, and disciplinarian. She will always be admired, loved, respected, and cherished. Her children will always feel blessed that they were the lucky ones who got to be her children.
The family would like to thank JoJo Home Health Care Services, particularly Sharon Britto, Theresa Walker, and Joan Lewis, and WellStar Tranquility Hospice at Cobb Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Yaarab Temple Hospital Fund c/o Kennesaw Mountain Shrine Club, PO Box 496, Marietta, GA 30061. Marietta Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Marian was raised in Marietta, Georgia. Her father worked at the Bell Bomber plant (now Lockheed) in Marietta. Her loving mother was a housewife and very devoted Christian. Times were hard for the family and Marian growing up. Marian learned to take responsibility early, which drove her to set goals and always strive to do her best. She lied about her age to get a job as a typist at the Bell Bomber plant when she was just 14 years old. She gave almost all of her earnings to her father to help support the family.
Due to hardships at home, Marian left home without finishing high school and married at an earlier age to O’Neal Davenport. They had one son together, Gerald (Jerry) Davenport. The young couple, with Marian working hard on building a new home in Woodstock (literally constructing a new home and doing much of the work herself). O’Neal enlisted in the military and was transferred to another base in different state while Marian stayed behind and finished working on the home and raising Jerry.
Later, Marian met and married Arthur (Art) Coomer, who was stationed at Dobbins Air Force Base. They had two children Norman and Cheli. The family was stationed in several places throughout Art’s Air Force career, including Bermuda, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tampa Florida, and Kansas City Missouri, which is where Art finally retired. After Art’s retirement, the family was headed to Pensacola, FL, but due to Marian’s father falling ill in Woodstock, the family settled in Woodstock where Marian’s father Norman soon passed away in 1972.
When Marian and Art parted ways in the mid 70’s, Marian knew she had to provide for her family. She was a proud independent woman and was not at all interested in accepting aid (which at the time she would have qualified for). She worked a full time job at Basic Leasing Corporation during the day, and also worked a full time job at Northwest Telephone Answering Service at night. She even tried to sell Shaklee products on the side for a while (but the kids ate up the chocolate protein bars). While this took time away from her kids, she spent weekends catching up and doing fun activities with them, such as bowling; taking drives and having picnics at Lake Allatoona, or going to the Beach at Red Top Mountain. Her children could see how very hard their mother worked and all she sacrificed to provide and care for her kids. The children didn’t understand it at the time, but Marian taught her children how to be strong, independent, persevere and to work hard for what you want to accomplish in life. That it doesn’t come easy - you must be willing to work hard for it.
Later in life, Marian married her teenage sweetheart, Mr. James Henry Ray of Marietta and part owner of Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home. She enjoyed her life with James; they traveled many places together, all throughout Europe, and they participated together in many civic activities as well. She participated in the Women’s Business Association and was featured in the Who’s Who of Business Owners of Cobb County. She was a member of the DAV Auxiliary and a member of the Kennesaw Mountain Shrine Club Motorettes and of the Lady Jesters of Yaarab Temple. She assisted her husband James Ray on the North Georgia State Fair board. They made many close friendships throughout the years in serving the community together. They shared an enormous love for their dogs throughout their years. Marian’s love for all God’s animals and their rights were so strong that she became a vegetarian about 20 years ago. Her dogs Boots and Buffy are two of the most beloved and pampered pets you’d ever meet.
At the age of 81, Marian finally thought it was about time to retire; maybe try to slow down a bit. She sold Northwest Answering Service, which she now owned for about 18 years, and didn’t look back. Unfortunately, James passed soon after her retirement and Marian didn’t have as much on her plate to look after. With dementia setting in on her long life at a time she when was finally able to let work go just doesn’t seem fair. But, Marian had worked from age 14 to 81. Besides caring for others in her life, working hard was what she knew best and had done all her life. At age 81, there were no hobbies, there was no part-time job to occupy her now, just her pets, and children. Even though her kids tried to interest her with activities at the senior center, she would say “Hmmf, I am not going to the senior center and hang around those old people.”
Marian’s children would say the she was one of the most strong-willed, independent woman you’d ever meet. She could be stubborn on some things as well if she felt a strong conviction. She said what she meant and she meant what she said. You knew where you stood. She had a high moral character and expected the best from those she loved and cared about. Above all else, she always remained a Lady. Paying close attention to her manners, appearance and her integrity. She was also very quick to help someone in need. Especially those who tried to help themselves. She was very generous with her time and money when someone needed help.
From the ground up, Marian became a strong business woman; As a single mother, she had raised her children through very tight times; to still be loving, gentle and selfless even when she was worried inside. She always set a good example. Every moment was a teaching moment to her kids. She rarely ever needed to raise her voice. All she had to do was give you that “look,” saying a short piece about what she expected, and “boom” that was it. From that moment on you knew what you had to do because you didn’t want to suffer any consequences or have to endure that “look” again.
Survivors include her sons Jerald “Jerry” O’Neal Davenport (Vicky) of Kennesaw and Norman Arthur Coomer of Marietta; daughter Cheli Kathleen Coomer Barie (Joseph) of Mystic, CT; sister, Marie Perry of NC; brother, George Adams of Dallas; and grandchildren Tabatha Allen of Dallas, Tanya Willoughby of Fairmont, Robert Comerford of RI, and Jack Barie of CT; great grandchildren Tyler (TJ) Davenport, Kayla Brown, Ian Willoughby, and Asia Allen; great great grandchildren Colton Brown and Annikyn Brown. She is preceded in death by her husband James Henry Ray; parents Norman and Mary Adams; sister Barbara Ann Cordell; and brother Norman Lamar Adams.
There are so many fond memories of laughter, silliness together of us “gallivanting around” as she would say. She was a wonderful, beloved mother, who also had to be a father, friend, and disciplinarian. She will always be admired, loved, respected, and cherished. Her children will always feel blessed that they were the lucky ones who got to be her children.
The family would like to thank JoJo Home Health Care Services, particularly Sharon Britto, Theresa Walker, and Joan Lewis, and WellStar Tranquility Hospice at Cobb Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Yaarab Temple Hospital Fund c/o Kennesaw Mountain Shrine Club, PO Box 496, Marietta, GA 30061. Marietta Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Family Members
Siblings
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
