Rebecca Ray Lawson

Sunrise April 9, 1927 – Sunset August 2, 2017

Rebecca Ray Lawson was born in Savannah, Georgia April 9, 1927, to the parents of Edward and Geneva Ray. She was the fifth oldest of eight brothers and sisters.

She attended elementary school in Savannah, Georgia. At an early age, the family moved to South Carolina where she continued her education at Robert Small Elementary and Junior High School. In the 1950’s Rebecca left South Carolina and migrated to Miami, where she worked at several jobs until she heard her calling to become a professional Calypso Dancer. She was an automatic natural. She was the best Limbo dancer and was the first to perform a fire dance in the state of Florida. Although fire dancing was very dangerous and many had been hurt, she never once injured herself. She was the headliner in her brother, Fish Ray’s Calypso Band. With Rebecca as the top act, the Band performed throughout Florida, Las Vegas, New York, California as well as Caribbean countries, including Freeport and Nassau, where she lived for a period.

Rebecca was preceded in death by her husband, Norah Lawson, her son, Edward Ray and brothers and sister, William Fish Ray Sr., Samuel Ray, Edward Ray and Rena Ray. She is survived by her sisters, Inez Williams and Eunice Wilcox and one brother Daniel Ray; grandchildren Vincent Ray, Darrel Ray and Shannon Ray, a special niece Lorraine DeLeveaux and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. The family wants to especially thank the nurses and other staff at Vitas Hospice Care for their unconditional support and nurturing during our beloved Rebecca’s last days; and Nurse Sandra at the Life is Precious Adult Living Facility, where Rebecca resided for several years.

Arrangements under the direction of Caballero Rivero Southern, North Miami, FL.