Doris Peeples Ray

Mabel Doris Peeples Ray, age 92, of Sylacauga, Alabama passed away peacefully on November 7, 2024. Born in Moundville, Alabama on May 18, 1932, Doris was the beloved daughter of Jim Peeples and Bressie Mae Johnson Peeples Taylor, both of whom predeceased her. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Linda Nell McGlashin, Jim Thomas Peeples, Kay Carroll Dunn, and Barbara Warren, and by her children Ronald E. Castleberry and Terry W. Ray.

Doris is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Wallace Ray, and her children, Christine Lang (Larry), Debra Cleveland (Kyle), Gary A. Ray (Lavon), and Sharon K. Carpenter (Randy Lambert). She leaves behind a legacy of love in her grandchildren, Stacey Ezekiel (Kevin), Stephanie Castleberry-Landers (Seth), Dana White, Matt Castleberry (Meagan), Kevin Ellis (Staci), Steven Ray (Amanda), Lara Ray, Alyssa Ray, David Ray, James Ray, Jesslyn Neaves (John), Joseph Ray, Gina Ray, Frankie B. Carpenter, and Mika Carpenter (James Elliott). Doris was also blessed with a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all of whom brought her immense joy.

Doris’s life was a testament of love, faith, and family. She was known for her energetic spirit, wit, endless conversation, and outgoing nature. Doris took pride in making her home a welcoming place for family and friends and treasured her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Doris and Wallace enjoyed their retirement years, traveling and creating cherished memories with family. Doris was a gifted cook, sharing her love through food; she took care to remember the favorite foods of the people she loved and prepared her family’s favorite dishes at every opportunity, insisting everyone get a second helping before they go. She also created beautiful handmade quilts for her family that will be treasured for generations.

She was a devout Christian and a member of Canaan Baptist Church. Doris found great joy in her faith, and Christmas was her favorite time of year. She delighted in bringing joy to others and in making them feel loved and valued. Her generosity, warmth, and strong faith will be remembered by all who knew her. 

Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the family will receive friends beginning at 1:00 to 2:00 followed with a Memorial Service to honor Doris’s life at 2:00 p.m. with a graveside service immediately following at Jefferson Memorial Gardens South, Hoover.

 The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Doris’s memory.

Doris will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to inspire those she leaves behind.