Linda Ray-Cromartie

Obituary For Linda Ray-Cromartie

Mrs. Linda Ray-Cromartie was born on January 13, 1952, in Quitman, GA, to the late Willie and Lizzie Ray. At the age of five, she moved to Philadelphia, PA, where she entered the Philadelphia school system. She graduated from Simon Gratz High School in 1969. She already knew Larry Cromartie at that time, and they were dating. Later, in 1971, she and Larry, got married and had a daughter. She then went back to school at the McOiry School of Nursing for medical office. She worked for a while and had another daughter. She stayed in Philadelphia for a while until she and her girls moved to Quitman, GA. Later, they moved to Valdosta, GA, where she returned to school to study childcare. She briefly worked at Noah's Ark. Currently, she was studying customer service and CNA. She found herself drawn to customer service, which she loved the most, as helping others was always her passion. She worked in retail/customer service for several years before her health began to decline. At that point, she moved in with her oldest daughter and husband in Gainesville, FL, and stayed there until her death.

She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Cromartie; her brother, Willie James Ray; and her parents, Willie and Lizzie Ray.

She leaves precious memories with her devoted and loving daughters, Chandra (Jerry) Knight of Gainesville, Fl and Janise Davis of Valdosta, GA; six grandchildren: Derek (La'Kelle') Williams of Philadelphia, Aja Cromartie of Gainesville, FL, Devon (Kaitlyn) Cromartie of Atlanta, GA, Anthony V. Knight of Valdosta, GA, Diabolique (Ebony) Knight of Gainesville, FL, and De’Chandre Cromartie of Atlanta, GA; fifteen great-grandchildren; her sisters and brothers, William Ray of Quitman, Betty Wilkerson of Philadelphia, PA, Lizzie (Rev. Andrew) Jackson of Roslyn, PA, Clara Johnson of Yeadon, PA, and Anthony (Rita) Ray of Philadelphia. Her brothers-in-law, including Samuel Cromartie of Philadelphia, PA, Ralph Copeland, Jr. of Hahira GA, and Michael Copeland of Atlanta, GA; a very special niece, De'Elva Ray-Ashmore (Cissy); a special friend, Darlene Hampton of Valdosta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be Sunday, December 15, 2024 at Joyful Sound Ministries in Valdosta, GA. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration.

Continue to pray along with the family during this trying time.