Raye Neal Carraway

January 29, 1945 - February 18, 2020
Raye Neal Carraway

Raye Neal Carraway passed away unexpectedly on February 18, 2020 at her home in Belhaven, NC. Memorial services will be deferred until April, when the weather is fine, and the flowers are in bloom. Raye was born in Beaufort County on January 29, 1945 to W.E. “Wash” Bateman and Effie Raye Calhoun Bateman Goff. She grew up in Belhaven, 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 sun light 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, NC; son Jay Calfee, “other daughter” Heather and grandchildren Jameson and Harper of High Point, NC son Tyler Carraway of Garner, NC; 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.

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  • February 20, 2020
    Faye Smith says:
    Raye Neal was a sweet lady, will miss her. prayers for her family.

  • February 21, 2020
    Doris Daniel says:
    Raye Neal always had a smile on her face and and ear to listen with. She brightened up every room she ever entered. There aren't enough words to express how much she meant to me. I loved her so.
    Raye Neal touched alot of lives and will be sorely missed.

  • February 21, 2020
    Al and says:
    May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Always smiling, God receive an Angel.....You will be missed by many...Rex and Family you are in our prayers....

  • February 21, 2020
    Dana Brown says:
    She always had a hug for everyone at Martha's! She was a great friend and mentor! Prayers for Rex and family and friends. Miss her!

  • February 21, 2020
    Rochelle Purvinis says:
    I am deeply saddened by the news of Raye's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I really enjoyed hanging with you guys during our visits to Pungo Creek. She will be missed.

  • February 21, 2020
    Carol Clark says:
    My first Belhaven friend of 50 some years. I am so saddened by her passing.

  • February 21, 2020
    Bryan & Sherry Hollowell family says:
    We will miss seeing Raye Neal around the Smithton community and on Pungo Creek. She was my girl scout leader many, many years ago and we had reconnected in the last few years. It was like time had stood still. She was still the same person I remembered from my scout days. Always willing to go the extra mile for anyone that needed it and always there with a hug and a smile. I was glad she came back into my life after so many years and was glad to have her friendship again. Our thoughts & prayers to Rex and the rest of the family. I know she is smiling down on all of us right now. May your memories bring you comfort and put a smile on your face. She would want it that way.

  • February 22, 2020
    Michael Chapin says:
    Raye Neal was my "big sister" when I was first introduced to Belhaven. I will sorely miss her smile and positive outlook on life. She never met a stranger. One of the great ones has been called home. We are left with great memories.

  • February 22, 2020
    Mattha Neal says:
    Thoughts and Prayers for Rex and family. Raye Neal always had a smile and a kind word for everyone.

  • February 24, 2020
    Brenda Yert says:
    She was a free spirit filled with lots of love and laughter. I will miss her coming into Martha's on Tuesdays to "check up" and give hugs. Raye Neal was a good friend. Peace and comfort to the family whom she loved dearly.

  • February 26, 2020
    Tiffany Sopher says:
    Text and family, I am SO SORRY about your sudden, unexpected loss of Raye Neal! I feel honored to have known such a SUPER, SWEET Lady! It is with heartfelt sadness that I leave this message for all of you. Her "Sunni" face will shine down on everyone who knew and loved her, rest high on that mountain now, SWEET LADY, and watch over us with your bright rays of sunshine, Raye Neal!

  • April 14, 2022
    Janet Harvey says:
    I have not been in touch with Raye Neal in many years and am saddened to learn of her death. She and Effie Raye were shining lights during my time in Belhaven. Between the two of them I took my art to a new level, entered shows, won prizes and even taught art to a six grade class. Raye Neal was a firecracker challenging me to to come out of my shell and live more broadly. She was not to be contained and I loved her for the way she challenged norms and loved life. Her Spirit inspired me then and continues even now. Sending these memories especially to Robin and Jay.