Roxie A. Rayner

Roxie Ann Ward Rayner was born March 13, 1939 to the late Joseph and Essie Eatmon Ward, in Johnston County. Her life’s journey came to an end on Saturday morning, August 26, 2023 at Wayne Memorial Hospital in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

Roxie, as she was fondly known, graduated from Richard B. Harrison High School, Selma, NC, in the class of 1958. After graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, David Rayner, who had enlisted in the United States Air Force. For twenty-one years, Roxie accompanied David to the following duty stations: Reese AFB, Texas; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska; FE Warren AFB, Wyoming and McConnell AFB, Topeka, Kansas. When David’s military career was completed at Seymour Johnson AFB, Goldsboro, and Roxie became affiliated with several military wives’ groups.

Roxie joined White Rock AME Church at an early age and enjoyed singing in the choir. She returned to White Rock after her husband’s retirement and served in many capacities. She served as a Class Leader, Steward, Stewardess, and Missionary President. She was also a member of the Sunday school and Lay Organization.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband David, her son Alonzo, her sister Lula Ward Forte, and her brother Willie Lee Ward.

She leaves to cherish precious memories to her sons, William David Rayner of Dumfries, VA and Alexander Rayner of Cleveland, TN; one sister Mamie Ward Newsome of Smithfield, NC; six grandchildren Aloni and David Alonzo of Goldsboro, Danielle and Marcus of Dumfries, Jocelyn and Elijah of Cleveland, TN; three great grandchildren Brooklyn, Sierra and Zella; three foster grandchildren Jasmine, Sherrie and Tiana of Goldsboro; one brother in law Frank (Collene) Rayner of Burlington, NC; three sisters in law Ada Taylor of Micro, NC, Clara (Richard) Robinson of Jeffersonville, IN and Betty (Larry) Hallis of Parkville, MC; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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