Dorothy "Doris" Ray

Dorothy "Doris" Pennington Ray, 76 of Sylva, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Mission Hospital in Asheville. Doris was born in Macon County on August 31, 1946 to the late John and Inez Tyler Pennington.

Doris was an educator and taught school in Jackson County for thirty years. She taught at Log Cabin Elementary, Smokey Mountain Elementary, and Fairview Elementary. Doris enjoyed coaching the square dance team at Log Cabin and working with the national Teacher Corps. She enjoyed traveling and loved Thanksgiving and Christmas with her family. Her spring and summers were spent working in her flowers and yard.

Doris got her Bachelor's degree at Piedmont College and did her graduate work at Western Carolina University. She supervised interns from WCU during her teaching career.

Doris loved her grandchildren and spent hours reading to them. She attended Scotts Creek Baptist Church.

Doris is survived by her husband, Clyde Ray, III; her son, Dr. Clyde Ray, IV (Gladys) of South Bend, IN; grandchildren, William and Ambrose Ray; a sister, Louise Burrell;  and one brother, James Pennington. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Appalachian Funeral Services with the Rev. Mike Farmer officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 prior to the service at the funeral home.