Alma Faye (Ray) Woodby

Alma Faye (Ray) Woodby passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, at the age of 86. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was born on March 20, 1938, in LaFollette, TN, to her parents, Laura Roberts Ray and Barney M. Ray. She was the oldest of six siblings and, at an early age, cared for her brothers and sisters like a mother. Her love for Barney (Junior), Marie Leinart, Judy Ayers, Linda Gwin, and Jerry was deep and unmatched. They lived life together, cooking at the “home place”, breaking beans, and searching yard sales.

In January 1957, she married the love of her life, Kenneth C. Woodby . They had two children, Kenny and Debbie Goins (Mark). She devoted her life to her family, living out the sacrificial love of a mother as she “set about her work vigorously” and her “arms were strong for her tasks,” as called to in Proverbs 31:17. She was a resourceful woman who could find a way to provide for anything her family needed.

Alma worked hard throughout her life but also enjoyed traveling with Kenneth. It didn’t matter the destination, a long as they were together and on an adventure.

She spent many years working as a cafeteria worker at Campbell County High School where she made a name for herself as the best biscuit maker. Alma expressed her love through her gift of cooking and made sure all her loved ones were fed. She was also known for her love of gardening and enjoyed discussing how to make your green beans, irises, and roses flourish. She had many talents, such as sewing, crocheting, and raising chickens.

One of her greatest joys in life was becoming a grandmother. She loved baking with Andrew and Alex, who stood on her bottom kitchen cabinet drawers to reach the counter. They also spent many summers camping together in Gatlinburg, TN.

In later years, she found another source of joy in her great-granddaughters, Sophie and Ruth, who loved their Nana and finding her candy bowl.

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Walters Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral Services will begin at 7:00 P.M with Rev. Harry James and Rev. Joe Roberts officiating. Family and friends will meet Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 11:00 A.M. at Peabody Cemetery for Graveside Services and Interment. Walters Funeral Home of LaFollette is honored to be serving the family of Alma Faye (Ray) Woodby.