Mrs. Monica Dianne Neal Ray (affectionately known as Dottie Red) began life's journey on June 26, 1959, in Anniston, AL, to the parentage of the late Bud and Georgia C. Neal. She departed this life and entered into eternal rest on Christmas Day 2024, at UAB Highlands Hospital in Birmingham, AL.

Monica accepted Christ at a very early age and served as an apprentice church secretary at Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church, under the leadership of her mother, Mrs. Georgia Neal, who was the official church secretary for 15 years. Monica was a faithful and devoted servant of the Lord and later went on to become church secretary at Refuge Full Gospel A.M.E. Church, under the pastorage of Rev. Ben Little. She was a member of the Missionary Society and ran the church kitchen whenever there was a church function, often ordering, preparing and serving the food. She was always there for any family in need.

Monica was educated in the Anniston City Schools system, receiving her primary education at Randolph Park and Twelfth Street elementary schools. She attended Cobb High School where she was an accomplished flutist in the high school band. She subsequently attended Anniston high School where she was a member of the homecoming court and a graduate of the class of 1977. After high school, Monica attended Daniel Payne College in Birmingham, AL, as a recipient scholar of Gaines Chapel A.M.E. Church. After college she briefly moved to Seaside, CA, before returning home to begin a career in the hospitality business. She served as manager of Hampton Inn, Oxford, AL, for many, many years prior to retiring in 2011. After retiring, Monica spent time volunteering at many non-profits, including Interfaith Ministries and United Way.

Monica enjoyed going to church, backyard barbecues with friends and family and decorating her home for all holidays. She was united in matrimony in 2011 to Elijah Ray, Jr.

She leaves to cherish forevermore her beautiful memories: her loving and devoted husband, Elijah Ray, Jr.; her stepsons, Brian Ray of Weaver, AL and Jaywarren (Erica) Ray of Anniston, AL; stepdaughter, Shaquitta (Deandre) Sistrunk of Virginia Beach, VA; six grandchildren, Demarcus Brown, Malik Anderson, Jaylandis Sistrunk, Javis Sistrunk, Jahari Sistrunk and Braylen Ray; her only remaining sibling, Shelby Neal-McKinnon of Starkville, MS; loving nieces, Jennifer Barnes McDougal of San Diego, CA, Terilaine Wheeler of Anniston, AL, and Harper Howell of Las Vegas, NV; nephews, Courtney Neal of Anniston, AL and Tysonn McKinnon of Starkville, MS, great-niece Alivia Boyd, great-nephews C.J. Neal and Zae'Mari Neal, all of Anniston, AL; maternal aunt, Willie R. Nixon; special cousin, Cathy Paige, lifelong friends, Yolanda Diane Smith of Jacksonville, AL and Shirley Jones of Anniston, AL; and a host of cousins, other relatives and close friends.

Monica was preceded in death by: brother, Willie P. Neal; mother-in-law, Pearlie Hightower; sisters, Karen M. Barnes and Teri L. Neal; nephew, Patrick Neal; maternal aunts, Mary Jo Kemp, Ida Armour and Johnnie. M. Pope; grand-mother, Mattie Allen; and great-grandmother Georgia Smith.