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On Nov. 23, 1941, Mother Raye Mell Toomer was born to the late Cleve and Emma Bolton. She married Rodis Shelvy Toomer on April 4, 1959. To this union, five children were born. Raye was raised in Bogalusa, where she attended Central Memorial High School. She attended Sweet Beulah Baptist Church while living in Bogalusa. She later joined the Lighthouse Pentecostal Church in Franklinton, under the leadership of the Late Apostle Jimmie Robinson; she remained a faithful member until her health begun to fail.

Mother Raye Mell Toomer was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, sister, friend and Christian woman. She will always be remembered for her sweet personality, warm smile, selfless acts, angelic singing, sense of humor and unconditional love.

She leaves to cherish her memories: her loving and devoted husband of 62 years, Rodis Shelvy Toomer; five children, Rodney Toomer Sr., Robert Toomer Sr., Ronald Toomer Sr. (Evelyn), Regina Toomer and Reginald Toomer, all of Franklinton; a brother, Cleve Bolton Jr. of Bogalusa; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Mother Raye was preceded in death by her parents, Cleve and Emma Bolton; siblings, Clara Harden, Rose Marie Hall, Willie J. Bolton, Helen Jefferson, Ruby Lee Johnson and William Bolton.

There will be a drive-through viewing on Friday, Oct. 15, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at the Powerhouse Praise and Worship Center, located at 12323 Highway 1048 in Roseland, with Overseer Marvin Vernon Sr., pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Sweet Home Cemetery.

Crain and Sons Funeral Home of Franklinton is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.