Fannie M Ray's Obituary
Fannie M. Hadden was born May 17, 1932, in Longview, Texas, to Deacon & Deaconess, James L. & Irene Gilliam Hadden. She was #10 of 12 children.
In 1941, the family moved to Grand Cane, LA where Fannie completed elementary school. Fannie accepted Christ as her Savior at age 12, and was baptized (small creek), by Pastor David Williams of Zion Hill Baptist Church in Grand Cane, LA.
In 1950 Fannie graduated from DeSoto High, in Mansfield LA; in a time in which the state’s Department of Education included in the title, “State Approved Negro High School”. After graduation, Fannie migrated to Oakland CA. to continue her education. She lived with her oldest sister, Jessa and her husband, and was often heard saying how much she loved California.
Fannie established herself as someone who would fight the good fight to get ahead. With that in mind she pursued higher education at Merritt Business School and the Charm Beauty College in Oakland, CA. While raising a family with three children (including a 3-year-old), she graduated from Charm College with a degree in “Cosmetology”. Following in the footsteps of Madame C.J. Walker, Fannie went on to become the owner-operator of “Ray’s Beauty Shop” in Oakland. Just like Fannie, her straightforward little business card, clearly outlining her specialty; “wet and hot work … cold waving”.
She went on to obtain her realtor’s license from the Anthony Real Estate School in Fremont, CA. Along the way Fannie found employment in the Oakland Unified School District as a Teacher’s Aide, in one of Oakland’s first Head Start Programs, and worked at the US Treasury Department in San Francisco. From there she went on to retire from the United States Postal Service where she started as a Mail Clerk, and eventually became Supervisor. She worked in the Postal Service for 31 diligent years. Her work ethic was so strong that she banked enough sick leave to allow her to retire one year early. Upon retirement Fannie immediately became a volunteer at the Kaiser Medical Facility in Hayward, where she served for 11 years.
While attending Merritt College, Fannie met and married Joseph Washington. Two children, Bernard and Wanda Faye, were added to this union. Bernard and his dad, Joseph, preceded Fannie in death. While employed at the United States Treasury Department, Fannie met and married Allen Ray, Jr. Rosalyn LaFonya was added to this union. All three children accepted Christ and were baptized at early ages. Allen Jr. preceded Fannie in death.
In moving across the states, Fannie united with various churches, working in many ministries. Throughout her church life Fannie served faithfully as both Sunday School teacher, and on many Sundays, you could find her resolutely controlling the congregant flow, as a long standing member of the usher board.
Left to cherish her memories are: Two loving daughters; Wanda Hudson, and Rosalyn Ray. Three beautiful grands; Tenecia, Lee, and Leilani Hudson. One beloved great grandchild; Jupiter Lee Arthur Hudson. One brother, Lloyd (wife Beverly), One sister-in-law, Catherine. One Goddaughter, Sonja Randolph. Few friends and family; and a special niece; Wildred who along with her husband, David Scroggins (deceased), faithfully looked after and cared for her, "like her own mother", after she moved to Shreveport. Fannie Thanked God for sending those wonderful Angels!
Fannie’s parting words to Family and Loved ones: “Rest assured, my soul is “anchored” in the Lord, and I am ready to go to that Heavenly Mansion. I invite you all to prepare to meet me there.
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES”.
What’s your fondest memory of Fannie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Fannie?
Share a story where Fannie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Fannie you’ll never forget.
How did Fannie make you smile?