Barbara Burgess Ray was born Barbara Mae Stikeleather on January 13, 1931 in Charlotte, NC. She shed her earthly body on Sunday June 17, 2018. She was the daughter of Zeffie Mae Crites and Clifford Blake Stikeleather. Preceded in death by her parents, her sister Betty and brother "Johnny". Barbara is survived by her four children Patti Gauthier and husband Pat of Marshville, Horace Odell Burgess Jr, Wayne Burgess and his wife Robin and Lori Burgess Bobbitt and her husband Tim all of Concord. She is also survived by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren as well as many special nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be 11am Saturday the 23rd of June, 2018 in the Chapel of Morgan & Son Funeral Home. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Forest Lawn West Perpetual Cemetery, Charlotte.
Our mother did many things throughout the course of her life. She was a daughter, wife, mother, friend, caregiver and neighbor, but she was first a Mother. Barbara had a great sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke or the fun in everyday life.
She was a loving caregiver for many years. Her first job was as a soda jerk at Leggetts on the square in Downtown Charlotte. From there she worked and modeled for Belk's, Genuine Parts, Sealtest and even sold hamburgers at the dirt track in Concord.
Barbara sold everything from vacuums & encyclopedias, to souvenirs at the races. She honored friendship for a lifetime and was a Servant of God and her community. Her home church will always be St. Pauls UMC of Concord.
We are grateful to have had her with us for so long and await the day we see her again.
We would like to thank Hospice of Cabarrus County for the loving care and help.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her honor to:
Hospice of Cabarrus County
5003 Hospice Lane
Kannapolis, NC 28081
A Child's Prayer
"A Child's Prayer"

God make my life a little light,
Within the world to glow;
A tiny flame that burneth bright
Wherever I may go.

God make my life a little flower,
That giveth joy to all,
Content to bloom in native bower,
Although its place be small.

God make my life a little song,
That comforteth the sad;
That helpeth others to be strong,
And makes the singer glad.

God make my life a little staff,
Whereon the weak may rest,
That so what health and strength I have
May serve my neighbors best.
-M. Bentham-Edwards

Online condolences may be made at www.morganandsonfunearlhome.com
Morgan & Son Inc of Marshville is in charge of arrangements.