Margaret Gilliland Ray

We announce with deep sorrow the passing of Mrs. Margaret Gilliland Ray, age 85, of Rome, Georgia, who left us peacefully on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Born on December 11, 1937, in Chattooga County, Georgia, to Ray Gilliland and Lerlene Pickle Gilliland, Margaret's life was a testament to her strength, love, and dedication to her family.

Margaret was united in matrimony to Artie E. Ray, with whom she shared sixty-three years of wedded bliss until his passing on April 14, 2018. This enduring partnership was the foundation of a loving family and countless cherished memories.

Margaret was predeceased not only by her beloved husband, Artie, but also by her father, Ray Gilliland (2007); her mother, Mary Gilliland (2000); her sisters, Ann Fowler (1973) and Sarah Jane Edwards (2021); and her brother, Bobby Gilliland (2021). She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion, as evidenced by her surviving family members: her daughters, Mary Alice Qualls (Tommy), Elizabeth Sue Hight (Larry), and Debbie Jean Taylor (Mike); her cherished grandchildren, Michele Parks, Sherry Andersen, Bowen Qualls, Justin Hight, and Nicholas Hight; Twelve great-grandchildren; and her brother, Wayne Gilliland.

Margaret's professional life was spent in the textile industry at Mohawk Industries until her retirement. In her post-retirement years, she fully embraced her role as the matriarch of her growing family. She enjoyed Square Dancing with her husband in her younger years, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  A great gardener, she loved tending to her flowers and found immense joy in watching her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow, celebrating each new life and marveling at the unfolding of each generation.  Margaret is a long-standing member of the Floyd Springs Baptist Church where she also was a choir member. 

Services to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. The visitation will occur from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM, and the funeral service will begin at noon. The services will be held at Good Shepherd Funeral Home, 2750 Shorter Avenue, Rome, Georgia 30165. The pallbearers will be Justin Hight, Nick Hight, Bo Qualls, Greg Parks, Austin Parks, Ted Edwards, and Minister Thomas Edwards. Minister Edwards will also officiate the service.

Margaret's life was a beautiful tapestry of family love, resilience, and grace. She will be remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, her nurturing spirit, and the joy she found in life's simplest pleasures. As we bid farewell to Margaret, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire and guide us.

Parnick Jennings Good Shepherd Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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