Vivian Ann Ray

Vivian Ann (Marshall) Ray, age 87, passed away on October 27, 2025, at North Care Hospice House in North Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on August 27, 1938, in Wagner County, Oklahoma to James Marshall and Burla Payne Marshall.

She grew up in Oklahoma and graduated from Tullahassee High School, located in Oklahoma's oldest surviving all black town, established in 1850.

She later attended the Eileen Jefferson Beauty College in Kansas City, Missouri and became a licensed cosmetologist. She owned her own beauty shop, which was located in the basement of her home. She also worked at Western Electric. She retired from the laundry department at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Vivian was a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church for over five decades, where she sang in the choir and served on the mission board. Known as a great cook, she always brought her delicious bundt cake to church functions.

She married Clifton Ray Sr. in 1956 In Oklahoma, and they were happily married for 59 years.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Clifton Ray; her mother, Burla Ray; her father James Ray; son, Gregory Ray, sisters: Arneata, Margaret, Dorthy, and Marie; her brothers: twin brother Vernon, Matthew, Homer Lee; and grandson Desmond Ray.

She is survived by her sons: Clifton Ray Jr. of Jefferson City, MO, Dwight Ray (Linda) of Kansas City, MO, Richard Ray (Tierney) of Kansas, City MO, and Deborah White-Sanchez (Henry) of Kansas City, MO; sister, Quanton Starks of Oklahoma, brothers: Bobby Joe Marshall (Eileen) Oklahoma City, James Marshall Jr. of Muskogee, Oklahoma, and Willie Marshall (Deloris) California, and Calvin Marshall Sr.(Hertasine) of Muskogee, Oklahoma, 40+ grandchildren, 20+ great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.