Carlotta Ray Obituary

Carlotta S. Ray passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. She was born on March 29, 1940, in Lebanon, Tennessee to Roggie and Lucille Ray. She graduated in 1958 from Galatin High School and then attended Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia, graduating in 1962 with a BA degree in English & Education. While at Brenau, she pledged Tri Delta Sorority. Upon graduation, she moved to Jacksonville, FL to pursue her teaching career. She taught English at Wolfson High School and was also assistant principal for curriculum. She became principal of Oceanway 7th Grade Center in 1980. From there, Carlotta was promoted to Director of K-12 Language Arts, Reading and Foreign Language for the Duval County Public School System. She remained there until her retirement in 1997.
She is survived by her sister, Diane Ray Nelson of Hendersonville, Tennessee; nephew, Arby Nelson (Sinkyung); nieces, V Moore (Bill), Erica Salas (Melan), and Emila Nelson; 4 great nephews, five great nieces and a multitude of loving friends.
Carlotta was full of life and known for her vibrant personality. Her home was filled with good books, good friends, and interesting conversation. She was an avid traveler throughout her life and always game for an adventure. She was an inspiration to her students and will forever be remembered for her unmistakable laugh. We are all fortunate to have had her in our lives.
A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home, 4750 Palm Valley Rd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082 at 11 AM on Saturday, February 8, 2025. A reception will follow at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Northeast FL, The Alzheimer's Foundation, or The Center for Spiritual Living in St Augustine, FL.