Sandra Ray Lay, 62, wife of John T. Lay Sr., of 173 Rabun View Drive, Mountain Rest, S.C., died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002, at Oconee Memorial Hospital surrounded by her family.

A native of Clinton, S.C., Mrs. Lay was the daughter of the late Charles Dudley Ray and Ruby Bowers Ray Pitts. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother of three and grandmother "Pooh Mom," who will always be remembered for her infectious laughter, her stalwart loyalty, and her family's joy. Mrs. Lay was a graduate of Erskine College and received her Masters Degree from Furman University. A dedicated educator, she was Oconee County Teacher of the Year and received recognition for curriculum and development from the U.S. Department of Education. She was also recognized for her outstanding contribution to education from the S.C. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Mrs. Lay taught at Seneca High School for over 15 years, serving as the school's Assistant Principal for nine years. She retired from teaching in 1997.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by a son, John T. Lay Jr. and wife Sharon of Columbia; daughters, Joanna Lay Westbrook and husband Craig of Greenville and Julie Lay Littleton and husband Mark of Columbus, Ga.; brother, Charles Ray and wife Debbie of Clinton; sister, Toni Reeves and husband Glenn of Montgomery, Ala.; grandchildren, Sarah Westbrook, Claire Westbrook, Eliza Lay, Thomas Lay and Abigail Littleton. Mrs. Lay was predeceased by her infant son, John Robert Lay, and her stepfather, Davis Pitts.

Funeral services will be conducted from the graveside at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, at the Bethel Presbyterian Church Cemetery with Dr. Roy Taylor of Walhalla Presbyterian Church presiding.

The family will receive friends at the residence, 173 Rabun View Drive, Mountain Rest, S.C., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today, Dec. 16.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Sandra Lay Scholarship Fund, c/o Seneca High School, 100 Bobcat Ridge, Seneca, SC 29678. — Davenport Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Published in The Greenville News: 12-16-2002