Carol Ann Nichols Ray

Carol Ann Nichols Ray, age 77, of Eden Isle, Ark., went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 25, 2018 at Conway Baptist Hospital. Carol Ann was born November 17, 1940 in El Dorado, Ark., to William and Ruth Nichols. She was raised in Fountain Hill, Arkansas and graduated from Fountain Hill High School where she was a star basketball player. She was a remarkable classically trained pianist and attended the University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Carol Ann graduated from Ouachita Baptist University with a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in Piano Performance. Carol Ann was preceded in death by her parents, William (Bill) and Ruth Mears Nichols of Fountain Hill, Ark. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Charles L Ray of Eden Isle, Ark.; son, Louis Ray (Lori Haddox Ray) of Monroe, La.,; daughter, Catharine Ray Kennedy (Danan Kennedy) of Conway, Ark.; and grandchildren, William Ray and Caroline Ray of Monroe, La. Carol Ann was a church pianist and organist for 60 years. She was very mission minded and served throughout her life teaching children's choir, bible study, Presbyterian Women's Association, garden club and many other organizations. One of her favorite quotes was "The Lord is the source of my salvation. The Lord is the strength of my life." Her favorite scripture was Psalm 34. The family would like to thank Dr. Tyrone Lee, Pulmonary Specialist and the wonderful caring women who cared for her the past 6 months. A private family service will be held on March 16, 2018. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the W. N. Nichols Scholarship Trust for the benefit of Ouachita Baptist University, c/o Simmons Bank, PO Box 7009, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71611.