Novella Ray

Novella C. Ray (Blanks) was born on December 20, 1934 in Newark, NJ to Sarah Allen Blanks and Thornton Blanks. Novella attended Orange High School where she played soccer and basketball. Novella married Edd Ray and the two had four beautiful children together. Novella worked for Union Baptist Church in Orange, NJ for more than 20 years and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church of Newark, NJ. Novella was pegged the family “record keeper”as she kept copious notes of family milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and photographs with the name and age of each person pictured. Novella loved hosting gatherings for family up to and including playing a major role in planning the Blanks Family Reunions. Novella will be remembered for many things; especially her loving spirit towards her family and others, her infectious laugh, taking trips to Las Vegas or AC to play the slots and watching her “stories”. Novella is preceded in death by her parents Sarah and Thornton Sr., spouse Edd, daughter Robin, grandson Alto, brothers Herbert (Adrian), Thornton, sisters Gloria, Audrey (Emma) and Jeanne (Ardel). Novella is survived by her sons Todd (Sarina), Gary (Martha), daughter Sheri and son-in-law Andre (Robin). Novella is survived by her sister Muriel (Robert “Bob”) and brother Leonard (JoAnn). Novella is also survived by her grandchildren, Tiffany, Qiana, Anthony (Jennifer), Kaliq (Valerie), Diamond, Rayvan, Shantell, Joshua, Ryan, Sophie (Alto), Nakia and Chris. Novella is survived by great grandchildren Destine, Alto Micah and Novella (Alto) as well as Alexa and Isaac (Anthony). Novella leaves behind bonus children Kathy and Suan along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones. Mom, Nannie, Novella; We “love you so much we just can’t stand it”.

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