Teresa E. Ray, 54, of Riceville, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

Born in Miami-Dade County, Fla., she lived in Southwest Ranches, Fla., until November 2003, when she moved to Cody, Wyo., with her family. In April 2006, they relocated to Riceville. She retired as a police officer from Miami-Dade County after 25 years of distinguished service, having received numerous commendations for her dedication to the community and heroic performances. Prior to joining the Miami-Dade Police Department, she was a secretary at the Miami Center for the FAA and received her associate's degree at Miami-Dade Community College. Most recently, she worked as a volunteer at the McMinn Regional Humane Society in Athens. She was a Christian and attended Mt. Harmony Baptist Church in Riceville. She was preceded in death by her mother, Vera Ellen Waters Underhill.

Survivors include her husband, Henry B. "Hank" Ray Jr. of Riceville; her father, William Underhill and wife, Brandy, of Southwest Ranches, Fla.; two daughters, Kristen Brand and Danielle Ray, both of Riceville; one son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Andrea Ray of Lake Worth, Fla.; two brothers and one sister-in-law, Kenneth and Cindy Underhill of Wildwood, Fla., and Edward Underhill of Southwest Ranches, Fla.; and three nieces and one nephew, Steven Underhill, Sarah Underhill, Heather Underhill and Stephanie Underhill.

Memorial services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church with the Rev. Garry King officiating.

The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made "In Memory of Teresa E. Ray" to the McMinn Regional Humane Society, P.O. Box 7, Athens, TN 37371-0007, phone - (423) 744-9548; or to the Black Hills Wild Horse Sanctuary, Institute of Range and the American Mustang, P.O. Box 998, Hot Springs, SD 57747, phone - 1-800-252-6652.

Those unable to attend may send condolences tomailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com