Visitation: Monday, 4/23, 9a - 9p at Riley Funeral Home Funeral: Tuesday, 4/24, 11 am (10am family hour) at Union Missionary Baptist Church 500 S. MLK - Lansing, MI Helen Mae Ray was born in Columbia Tennessee on February 3, 1926, the daughter of the late George Wheeler and Irene Smith. Before her illness, Helen was an active member of Union Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the Usher Ministry and Nurses Auxiliary. Helen was a retiree from General Motors. She was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. She loved growing vegetables in her garden and even continued this activity, as a resident of Ingham County Medical Care Facility. While at the Medical Care Facility, Helen enjoyed going on the group outings. During the day, she enjoyed playing bingo with her fellow residents and watching her favorite Soap Operas. She would often call her daughter-in-law, to discuss what her favorite characters were doing. Helen was preceded in death by: her son, Timothy M. Ray; mother, Irene Smith; father and step-mother, George and Bearlie Mae Wheeler. Helen made her peaceful transition on April 19, 2012. Helen is survived by: her sons, James Ray and Phillip (Sandra) Ray; her beloved grandchildren, Stephanie (Aaron) Perry, Keshia Mims, Larisa Ray, Jermel and Casaundra Ray, and Sergio Ray; great-grandchildren, Denzel Ray and Brynnlee Grace Perry; and brothers, Arthur Louis Wheeler (Monika Nedeljov) and George Wheeler (Brenda).