Obituary For Mrs. Patricia Ann Rayford
Official Transition Notice and Obituary of: Mrs. Patricia Ann Rayford - June 22, 1941, ~ April 17, 2024 (age 82)
Family, I just wanted to let you know that I made it home. The journey wasn’t an easy one, but it didn’t take too long. Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new. I wish that you all could close your eyes and that you could see it too. Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand God is taking care of me…
I’m in the shelter of His hands. Here, there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain. Here, there is no crying, and I’ll never hurt again. Here, it is so peaceful, when all the angels sing. I really have to go for now… I’ve just got to try my wings.
Sister Patricia Ann Rayford of Valdosta, Georgia was born on Sunday, June 22, 1941, in Chattanooga, Tennessee to the late Wade and Ophelia Woods. She was educated in the Chattanooga Public School System, graduating from Howard High School. She received a bachelor's degree from Tuskegee University and a master's degree from Tennessee State University.
Sister Rayford began her career as an educator by teaching in the Chattanooga School System. She taught for one year at Savannah State University where she met the love of her life, Willie Rayford, on the tennis court at Savannah State University and they married after six months of dating. The Rayford's have been married for 53 years. After their union, Mrs.
Rayford moved to Valdosta, GA where she became the first African American to serve as Director of Guidance at Valdosta High School. She retired after 30+ years in education.
Mrs. Rayford touched countless lives. She served as sponsor of the (High School) PAMS club for seventeen years and served on the Board of the Valdosta Teachers Federal Credit Union for twenty-one years. She initiated the establishment of Kappa Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA), Inc. in Valdosta, GA. Soror Rayford holds the distinct honor of Charter Member, Life Member, and Golden Soror of AKA. Under her leadership as President of the Graduate chapter, Kappa Upsilon Chapter, was founded at Valdosta State University.
Also, as president, she initiated AKA's sponsoring the first Ebony Fashion Show in Valdosta, GA. Mrs. Rayford has received numerous awards and accolades for outstanding accomplishments.
Sister Rayford loves the Lord and her family. She was a faithful member of Morning Star Baptist Church where she served as Sunday School teacher, new member teacher, and Member of Circle #2, sanctuary choir member, secretary, Education and Scholarship Committee and President of Deaconess for 18 years. She was also a member of the Georgia Association of Educators.
Directing weddings for family members and friends was a favorite pastime of Sister Rayford. She also enjoyed shopping, traveling and spending time with family.
There’s an open gate at the end of the road through which each must go alone and there is a light we cannot see our Father claims His own. Wednesday, April 17, 2024, God closed hear weary eyes in “sweet rest” from the troubles of this world.
In addition to her parents, six brothers; Wade Jr., Clarence, John, Ronald, James and Conrad, 2 sisters; Ruby and Mamie preceded her in death.
She leaves a legacy of love, faith and precious memories to devoted husband Willie Rayford, loving daughters; Kimberly David (Lloyd) of Atlanta, Kristi Johnson (Chavous) of Atlanta and four amazing grandchildren; Kristen David, Kori David, McKenzie Johnson and Chase Johnson all of Atlanta.
I know that my passing has come as a shock to each of you. I, myself am overwhelmed by it all. I could not stay another day. Grieve awhile if grieve you must, for now I’m Free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard His call. I turned my back and left it all…God wants me now; He has set me free!
Patricia Ann will deeply be missed and forever remembered by her loved ones, extended family, friends, colleagues and the countless members of this community whose lives she touched.
I know that my passing has come as a shock to each of you. I, myself am overwhelmed by it all. I could not stay another day. Grieve awhile if grieve you must, for now I’m Free. I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard His call. I turned my back and left it all…God wants me now; He has set me free!
Service Details are as follows:
Public Visitation: Friday, April 26, 2024, at Harrington Funeral Home Inc., 713 Lake Park Road, Valdosta, GA. from 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Family Hour: Friday, April 26, 2024, at Harrington Funeral Home Inc., 713 Lake Park Road, Valdosta, GA. from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
Ivey Beyond The Wall Ceremony: (PRIVATE SERVICE) Friday, April 26, 2024, at Harrington Funeral Home Inc., 713 Lake Park Road, Valdosta, GA. from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM.
Life Celebration Services: Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 11:00 AM from the sanctuary of Morning Star Baptist Church - 1051 Howell Road, Valdosta, GA.
Resting Place: Riverview Memorial Gardens - 3945 North Valdosta Road, Valdosta, GA.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to the Patricia Rayford Foundation. Zelle: prayford99@hotmail.com
Final Care and Compassionate Services are being expressed to the “Rayford Family.” by HARRINGTON FUNERAL HOME INC., with love, care, and uncompromising dignity…
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