Asante Ray

Asanté Iseal Ray was born on February 26, 1998, in Fairfax, Virginia to his parents, Darrell Iseal Ray, and Shondra L. Warner-Ray. Asanté was the first and only son born to Shondra and Darrell. Asanté was loved and respected by his brothers, Gage, LaTiff, and his sisters, Jacque, Soraya, Brianna, and Felicia. They all shared a common bond that could not be broken. His family would lovingly nickname him, "Tay." Tay had a genuine love for his mother; they would have weekend dinner and movie dates at the Movie Tavern, and watch television shows, "Weeds" and "Shameless." So loving, Tay and his mother went to visit Grandma, Charlene Warner, and Aunt Hazel Rogers in Memphis, Tennessee. He loved visiting her so much he begged to stay. His mother allowed him stay for three months and when she returned she did not even recognized her own child. He had went from sticks to a butterball, gaining many pound from grandma's good cooking, and strict eating regimen. Tay loved to eat. An active leader, Tay attended Smoky Hill High School in Aurora, Colorado, where he excelled in his education, staying on the school and national honor rolls. He was a vital part of the Diversity Leadership Team and enjoyed every moment of being a motivational speaker amongst his peers. He received awards and honors from AVID, Auto Tech 101, Valvoline U Program, Snap-On Torque Mechanical Property Maintenance, and a Focus Group Certificate of Recognition. Asanté earned his credentials; he will still receive his diploma with the class of 2016 from Smoky Hill High School on Graduation Day, May 26, 2016. Notably, Tay believed in the Lord and was a member of Colorado Community Church for the past three years. Tay was a fun and loving person; he loved giving his mother wet willies, making everyone smile especially his mother, chillin' with his friends, blasting music early in the morning, and shooting pool. His favorite thing would be wearing his "Polo's" and "Jordan's." Tay had many "best friends" that he would call his, "Brothers and Sisters." Tay was always a trailblazer to his friends "keeping them in line" they would call him, "Poppa Ray" and he was also known for his famous saying, "I Felt It." Excited about life; Tay loved, lived, and lead many with his encouraging spirit, and generous heart. He will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him. "Gone Too Soon." Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Asanté was preceded in death by his grandmother, Charlene Warner and his aunt, Latacha Ann "Tish" Ray. Asanté Iseal Ray departed this life on April 2, 2016, in Aurora, Colorado. He leaves to cherish his memory and to mourn his loss, his loving mother, Shondra Ray; his father, Darrell Ray; his brothers, Gage M. Ray, LaTiff Ray; his sisters, Jacque Ray, Soraya Gordon, Brianna Ray, and Felicia Ray; his grandparents, Clordell Warner, Sr., and James and Gloria Ray; his aunts, Leola Boyce, Meta Ray, Kimbra Murray, Laurie Warner, and Pam Ray; his uncles, James Ray, Jr., Claudell Warne, Keith Thomas; his godmother, Vicki Givens; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremation - 2050 Uinta Street, Denver, Colorado
Visitation: 4/9/2016 at 12:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 4/9/2016 at 7:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 3370 Ivy Street, Denver, CO