Shaela Light

Shaela Kathleen Ray Light, cherished daughter, sister, niece,
sister-in-law, aunt, wife, friend, and colleague, passed away on May 28,
2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the age of 62. She was predeceased by
her parents, George Douglas Ray and Dixie McNeill Ray.

Shaela is lovingly remembered by her brother, Gavin Dashner Ray; her
sister-in-law, Kathy Brown Ray; her nephews, Dylan Douglas Ray and Chandler
Sheffield Ray; her aunt, Norah McNeill Moore; her first cousin, Allen Moore
and his wife Kristin Moore; as well as dear friends Rebecca Russo and Laura
Fazzalari Leopardi.

Born on November 6, 1963, Shaela was raised in Greenville, North Carolina.
A dedicated student with a 4.0 GPA at Junius H. Rose High School, she also
served as Homecoming Queen. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from East
Carolina University’s College of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree
in Accounting. One of her treasured memories was ECU’s victory in the 1992
Peach Bowl.

Shaela began working at the age of 16 and spent the last 15.5 years of her
career serving in various accounting and finance roles for the City of
Durham. Beyond her professional accomplishments, she enjoyed needlecrafts,
ballet performances, theater productions, and movies. Her love for animals
was evident through her devotion to her horse Johnny and dog Miss Pepper
and her volunteer efforts at animal shelters.

Shaela lived by the words of Robin Williams: “Everyone you meet is fighting
a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” With quiet confidence,
style, and grace, she brought love and kindness to those around her.

A memorial service celebrating Shaela’s life will be held on June 27, 2026,
at 2:00 p.m. at Seven Marks Church, 3500 Spring Forest Rd., Raleigh, NC
27616. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.