Marlene D. Davis Ray, 81, of Davenport, Iowa, died suddenly at home on Sunday, May 28, 2017. A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 11 a.m. on June 3 at Third Missionary Baptist Church in Davenport. Visitation will precede the funeral from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Pine Hill Cemetery immediately after the service. A repast will be served at the church following the burial.

Marlene was born on March 22, 1936 in Davenport, Iowa, to Harold and Clara Davis. She married Bobby Ray of East Moline, Illinois in 1953. They were married for 33 years and had four children. She was a loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs football team. Marlene also enjoyed listening to music and reading books of all genres. Her passion for music and literature led her to employment at the Bettendorf Public Library, where she worked for several years until retirement.

She is survived by a sister, Juanita (Charles) Babers, Rock Island, Illinois; three children, Tony L. (Elizabeth) Ray, West Des Moines, Iowa, Michelle K. Ray, St. Paul, Minnesota and Michael J. Ray, Davenport; three grandchildren, Zachary Ray, West Des Moines, Iowa, Jennifer (Chioke) Ray-Jones, St. Paul, Minnesota, Nicholas (Emily) Ray, Omaha, Nebraska, as well as two great-grandchildren, a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, other relatives and many friends, including special cousins, Carolyn Clay, Barbara Wommack and Frances Boone. Marlene was preceded in death by her parents, sister Katherine Davis, brothers Frederick Davis, Sr. and Rev. Harold Davis, Jr. and son Jerome Ray.