Sara K. Ray

Sara Frances (Fran) Knight Ray, 88, of Shreveport, Louisiana passed away on October 9, 2022 after a brief illness following a very full and long life. She was surrounded by family.

A celebration of her life and memorial service will be held at Centerville Baptist Church, 995 Centerville Road in Soso, Mississippi at 11:00 a.m. on October 29, 2022.

Sara (Fran) was born at home in Summerland, Mississippi on March 27, 1934. She graduated from Jones County High School where she excelled in all subjects.  She was a strict grammarian, and very skillful at math. After high school, she attended the Southern Baptist Mather School of Nursing in New Orleans, Louisiana.  She would often tell the story of leaving her small town and taking the bus to New Orleans. She was humble about her experiences, but very brave also. Sara (Fran) was always grateful for the support given to her by family and friends.

Sara (Fran) worked as a registered nurse for many years.  She spent her last years nursing at Louisiana State University Medical Center in the newborn infant unit.  She enjoyed working with the newborns, saying babies complained less than adults.  She was also a loving mother and stay-at-home mom. She was involved in the church and loved reading the Bible, and talking about scripture. She was an adamant cat lover. She named and cared for many cats over the span of her life. She loved all creatures and nurtured the hurt and wounded with great compassion. Her heart was full and so very compassionate. She gave to many charities over the years including St. Jude’s, Billy Graham Crusades and the Red Cross.

She is survived by her children Patricia Susan Ray (Scott Franklin), Elton David Ray Jr. (Marissa Dela Cruz), Lisa Ray Fontenot (David Earl) and Steven Douglas Ray. Her grandchildren Charles Houston Ray (Nad Abdelqader), Daniel Joseph Fontenot (Felicia McCrary), Christy Anne Fontenot (Jalen Wells), Forrest Gregston Ray, Ivan Paul Dela Cruz Ray, Sarah Elise Ray, Elton David Ray III and great- grandchildren Nylah Rose Wells, Heliena Arabella Ray, Addeline Rainer McCrae, and Everleigh Ray Fontenot as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and their children, and their children’s children.  She was brilliant at keeping up with everyone’s life and treasured all of her relationships. She could recall a story of anyone instantly. She was sharp and alert until the very end.

She is preceded in death by her parents Daniel Caswell and Lula Lee Hill Knight, her brothers Mack (Toot) Knight, Robert Davis (RD) Knight, Hiram Washington (HW) Knight, John Lee Knight, and sister Helen Susan Knight.