Cathy Lauryne (Cox) Ray

Pastor Cathy Ray, age 67 of Broadway NC, transitioned into eternal rest on Monday, July 5, 2021 in Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC.

On the morning of July 5, 2021, the angel of the Lord descended upon Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville, NC, and the one we will forever love stepped across the threshold that we call death. But this step was like no other - it was a step into our Father’s house. PASTOR CATHY COX RAY, being at peace with God, is now rejoicing in her happy heavenly home.

CATHY COX RAY was born in Harnett County, North Carolina, on February 22, 1954, into the loving family of the late Walter and Rena McIver Cox as the youngest of nine children. She was a 1973 graduate of Lee County High School and later attended Central Carolina Community College. She obtained a degree in Early Childhood Education and certifications as a Licensed Nail Technician and a Notary Public. In 2016, she received a certificate in a Ministerial Refresher Course under the leadership of Dr. Delois Curry at Stone of Help Bible College, Moreover, she was employed at Coty, Inc. for 35 years, retiring in 2010. Staying active, she became a substitute teacher in the NC Public School System.

 At a very young age, CATHY confessed Christ as her personal Savior and became an active disciple of Cameron Grove AME Zion Church, Broadway, NC. Later, she united with Paradise AME Zion Church, Broadway, NC. As she grew in the things of God, she united with the Works for Christ Christian Center, Sanford NC, under the leadership of her adopted sister, Dr. Alice Hooker.

CATHY was united in holy matrimony to Pastor Harrison Edward Ray on her birthday - February 22, 1986. After the Lord called her husband into the pastoral ministry, she assisted him as “the First Lady” in many of his assigned churches in the Central North Carolina Conference, The AME Zion Church. Once their season in Zion was completed, the Lord assigned them the work of launching God’s Fellowship Christian Center, Broadway, NC. She was ordained as Elder in 2015, preached her initial sermon on  January 19, 2003 and installed as Co-Pastor in March 2003.

PASTOR CATHY was such a strong, warring, dependable, faithful woman of God. She was a devoted to her family.  She is fondly remembered for her beauty - inside and out. Her contagious personality, warm embraces, and radiant smile were her strong characteristics. Our precious jewel possessed a queenly anointing like Queen Esther in the Scripture. She was everybody’s cheerleader and shared her wisdom and keenly advice to all she encountered and embraced.

The pastoral ministry of PASTOR CATHY wrought her several awards and accommodations, such as “Pastors that go beyond the Pulpit Award” and an “Outstanding Co-Pastor” Award. In addition to her duties at God’s Fellowship Christian Center, she loved and supported Works for Christ Christian Center. She was actively involved in the Senior Adults Ministry of Cameron Grove Church where her brother, Gary, serves as director. She also loved and supported her nephew, Apostle Jace Cox and the Liberty Praise Center, Sanford NC since its inception in 2014. Because of her steadfast love and support, she was declared one of the mothers of the Church. Her ministry involved assisting Mother Carolyn Cox, her sister-in-love, and others with the Beyond the Wall Ministry at Liberty Commons Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Sanford NC. Additionally, she graciously served on the Advisory Council of Another Choice for Black Children, Inc.

There is no secret PASTOR CATHY loved the Word of God, knew the Word, lived the Word and used the Word! Often you could hear her proclaim: “The devil is a liar!” or “Ain’t nobody mad but the devil!”  Her favorite Bible verse was: “I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.” (Psalm 118:17) She was a Prayer Warrior who did not mind fighting hell head on! She obeyed the teachings of Jesus Christ and followed His directions as outlined in St. Matthew 25:35 – 36.  However, she went a step further. She sowed financial seeds for those in need. She helped TLC business helped people live healthier. Her paparazzi venture brought out one’s beauty. Her multiple gifts, fresh fire, warring tongues, and unstoppable praises will be missed by all who loved her appearance. Nevertheless, we are so much richer because of God’s treasure - PASTOR CATHY COX RAY.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister: Helen; three brothers: Robert, James, and Charles; special-like daughters: Vickie Gainey and Darlene McDougald; special-like mother: Mother Susie King; her dear friends: Mother Mary Odessa Richardson, Minister Creable Bland and Elder Barbara Campbell; and her brother-in-law: Reverend J.D. Ray.

PASTOR CATHY leaves to honor and cherish her memories: her husband of 35 years: Pastor Harrison Edward Ray of the home; her daughter: Carlisa McLeod (Charles) of Sanford NC; two sons: Harrison Bernard Ray (Cindy) and Tony Campbell (Sabrena); her grandchildren: Shamica Ray of Charlotte NC; Johnisha Campbell Booker (Justin), Jalisia Campbell, Javae, Jessica, Nia, Kaiya, and Zaria; her great grandchildren: Jahi, Jasiah and Javen Booker; her sister: Peggy Cox of Cameron, NC; three brothers: William Cox (Barbara) of Woodbridge, VA, Gary Cox (Carolyn) of Goldston NC and Reginald Cox, Sr. (Dreama) of Broadway, NC; her special niece, who is more like a sister: Hazel Headen of Sanford NC; her adopted sister and pastor, Dr. Alice Hooker (Dr. Lewis); her sisters-in-law: Eva Cox, Cornelia Ray, and Rutha Ray; her love and only godson: Cedric Antwon Cox (Janae) of Sanford NC; three goddaughters, Stacy Lyles of California, Kimberly Prince and Evelyn Graham of Broadway NC; her Alston sisters: Patricia, Lois and Sarah; a special niece who is more like daughter: Antoinette Cox; her adopted daughter: Pamela Dunlap (Fred Thomas Dunlap Jr.); her special nieces: Shirley Lee and Mary Ray; very special friends: Prophetess Ruby Shepherd, Elder Saretha Copelin, Mother Rosa Fox, Gilda Smith, Cindy Allred, and Lillie Mae Waters; her favorite hair dresser, Desire’ Marsh; generations of nieces, nephews, and other family members; God’s Fellowship and Works For Christ Christian Center’s members, and a plethora of friends.

The family will receive friends at the home of her brother, Reginald Cox, Sr. 1873 Rosser Pittman Rd. Broadway NC 27505. Visiting hours are 4 pm-8 pm daily.  Please wear your mask. 

ATTENTION: Everyone that enters the funeral home and or attending the services- MUST WEAR A MASK

Thank you in advance for helping us protect the families and communities that we serve.

Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home- Sanford