Evelyn Denise Ray , affectionately known as "Dotta," was born on January 25, 1955, in Newport News, Virginia, to the late William Hill and Mary Frances Hill.  On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the age of 70, Evelyn peacefully departed this earthly life to be with her Heavenly Father.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her beloved sister, Diana Pittman; her aunts, Lena Pittman and Louise Ray; and her uncles, Curtis and Ernest Little, and nephew, Domonique White.

Evelyn Ray was a proud graduate of Ferguson High School and a member of the last sophomore class of Huntington High School.  She later attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.  Throughout her adult life, Evelyn held various positions; however, she ultimately built a distinguished career with the Federal Government, where she faithfully served for over 27 years before retiring.

During adulthood, Evelyn accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at Macedonia Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member until her passing.

Evelyn found joy in life's simple pleasures especially her cherished bingo nights, but nothing brought her greater happiness than her family. Her daughter was her pride, her heart, and her world, until the day her granddaughter, Kennedi, arrived and filled her life with a new kind of sunshine.  From that moment on, Evelyn's love expanded, deepened, and became the center of all she held dear.

Evelyn leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of her family and all who knew and loved her.  Left to cherish her precious memory are her daughter, Kimberly Neals (Theodore); her granddaughter, Kennedi Avelyn Neals; her mother, Mary Frances Hill; her brothers, Ronald Ray, Robert Ray, Mitchell Hill (Angel), Troy Hill (Tina), William Redden, and Curtis Redden; her sisters, Patricia Fields (Bernard), Debora Ray, Viola Hill, and Tameka Redden; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very close friends.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 18, 2025 at Macedonia Baptist Church. Interment will be in Hampton Memorial Gardens.