Mrs. Rudene Walker Ray of Miami, Florida, formerly of Worth County, Georgia, died Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Unity Health and Rehab Center in Miami, Florida.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM in the chapel of the J. W. Williams Funeral Home in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Little Rock Church Cemetery in Arabi, Georgia.

Everyone entering the funeral home for visitations or services is required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.  A mask must be worn throughout the stay.  You must supply your mask.

Sister Rudene Walker Ray was born on September 3, 1944, to  Mother Willie Mae Walker and the late Mr. J. L. Walker of Warwick, Georgia. As the firstborn of ten children, Rudene learned the values of responsibility and leadership early on. She pursued her education in the public schools of Worth County, graduating with the class of 1964.  She continued her education and earned her degree in Medical Coding.

Rudene was a hardworking woman who dedicated 40 years of her life to Oceanside Nursing and Rehab Center in Miami, Florida, where she worked as a secretary and medical coder. Her dedication to her work was matched only by her devotion to her faith and community.

Rudene's love for serving the Lord was profound, and she was known for her sincere prayers. She joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church as a young adult and remained a devoted member until her health declined. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her interactions with everyone she met.  The joy of watching  her walk down the aisle dressed with her heels and hat as she jumped and praised God.

Rudene was married to the late Bennie Ray, with whom she had five children. Though she faced the heartbreak of losing three of her children—Melvin, Darrell, and Tavaris—her strength and resilience were unwavering. She is preceded in death by her beloved sisters, Pearl Taylor, Vestella Jones, and Jacquelyn Caldwell.  Her brothers/sisters-in-law, James Otis & Chotie Ray, Roy Ray, Alfred Ray, Victoria & Jerome Ray, Helen & Larry Thomas, Bland & Gladys Ray, and Wincer & Brandette Ray.

Rudene's nieces fondly remember her impeccable style, often seen in high heels and hats, bringing joy and laughter to those around her. She loved meeting people at church, shopping, and was always dressed to a "tee". Her generosity and kindness were boundless, as she loved giving and sharing with anyone in need.

Rudene leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth, cherished by her daughter and son, Sebrina Ray and Eric Ray of Miami, Florida; four grandchildren, Travis Ray, Heaven Jones, and Tavaris Jones of Miami, Florida, and Lawrence Jones, Jr. of Texas; her mother,  Mother Willie Mae Walker of Warwick, Georgia; five sisters, Earnestine (Neal) Ray of Warwick, Georgia, Johnnie Mae Westbrook of Cordele, Georgia, Ira Walker of Miami, Florida, Audrey (Chris) Wheeler, and Carolyn (David) Sims, all of Warwick, Georgia; and her brother, Kelvin Walker of Cordele, Georgia. She also leaves behind one godbrother, Demetric Newberry of Gainesville, Georgia, her brothers/sisters-in-law, Tyrone Taylor of Ashburn, Georgia, Manuel (Irene) Ray of Miami, Florida, Jeanette (Tommy) of Macon, Georgia, Larry Ray and Geraldine Ray of Cordele, Georgia; nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, and friends.

Sister Rudene Walker Ray's life was a testament to dedication, perseverance, and unconditional love. Though our hearts are heavy with her passing, we find comfort in the love she shared with everyone. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in all who knew and loved her.