Ms. Idell Ray, 91 of Bloomingdale, Georgia passed away peacefully on Sunday January 15, 2023

She was born on September 16, 1931 at Taylors Creek Community in Liberty County to the late Colan C. Martin and Ella Vonburgen Martin.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Willard Clifton Ray and her brother Colan "Buck" Martin.

Idell grew up in Pooler later living in Bloomingdale when she married.  They then moved to Hilton Head Island where she was a bookkeeper for Hilton Head Chamber of Commerce and lived for a number of years.  She and Willard later retired and moved to Santee and enjoyed the lake life, fishing and her Grandchildren visiting as much as possible.  Idell also worked for the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce in Manning part time while in Santee.  After Willard passed away Idell returned to Bloomingdale to be closer to family.  She then worked Part time for the Savannah Visitor Center until the age of 88.

Idell was a member of Alpha United Methodist Church.  She was a person full of unselfish love and a heart of gold.  She will be remembered for being a loving wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Survivors include her sons Gregory Ray (Tammy) of Bluffton SC and Joel Ray of Camden SC.  Grandchildren Ross Crane (Renee), Erica Smoak (Fletcher), Jessie Ray, Tory Ray, Devin Ray and Bransin Ray;  great-grandchildren Madison and Watson Smoak, Conner and Caroline Crane; sisters, Inez Martin of Pooler Ga, Ellen "Jupey" Stafford (Don) of Augusta Ga and Anne Bashlor (Jimmy) of Baxley GA as well as a number of nieces and nephews.

A Graveside funeral and burial to honor Idell's life will be at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 20, 2023 at Hillcrest Abbey West Cemetery located at 1336 Dean Forrest Road in Garden City, Georgia.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Homes – WEST CHATHAM CHAPEL (912)748-2444