Raye Neal Carraway passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 18, 2020, at her home in Belhaven.

A memorial service will be deferred until April, when the weather is fine and the flowers are in bloom.

Raye was born in Beaufort County on Jan. 29, 1945, to W.E. “Wash” Bateman and Effie Raye Calhoun Bateman Goff. She grew up in Bellhaven, then attended East Carolina University, where she majored in art and psychology. She worked many years with the North Carolina Department of Corrections before retiring to enjoy time on the water with family and friends.

True to her name, Raye loved to bask in the sunlight outside. She was a force of nature, like the sun, which warmly encourages growth, but can be a little intense at times.

Raye will be deeply missed by her beloved husband, Rex; daughter Robin and husband LJ Tananis, of Greensboro; son Jay Calfee; “other daughter” Heather; and grandchildren Jameson and Harper, of High Point; son, Tyler Carraway, of Garner; second parent Julian Goff; numerous Bateman, Goff and Carraway family and many cherished friends.

Energetic, enthusiastic, often exasperating, Raye needed only a paintbrush, bit of fabric or a staple gun to transform the world around her. She loved fiercely, cared deeply and will always be remembered with a smile.

You may share a memory with the family by visiting www.josephpaulfdl.com.

Joseph B. Paul Jr., Funeral Director Licensee of Washington, is serving the Carraway family.