Dorothy Ray Salerno

Charlotte & Franklin - Dorothy Ray Salerno, 94, of Charlotte, died November 20, 2013 at Carolinas Medical Center. Born August 27, 1919 in Birmingham, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late John Ben and Pattie Gilmore Ray. She graduated from the Duke University School of Nursing in 1940. She served as a nurse in the United States Army in the 65th General Hospital unit in England during World War II.

After the war, she obtained a degree in public health nursing from Columbia University in New York City. While in New York, she met Paul G. Salerno, whom she married on July 14, 1948. During their 56 years of marriage, they lived in Glenview and Rockford, Illinois before his death on January 3, 2005.

After her husband's death, Mrs. Salerno relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina in August, 2005, where she resided at Aldersgate, a United Methodist Retirement Community. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading, and particularly, her family.

Mrs. Salerno is survived by three nephews, C. Edward Willis, Jr. (Donna) of Birmingham, Alabama, John G. Murray, Jr. (Julia) and David R. Murray (Jan), of Charlotte, and one niece, Pattie M. Ramsaur (David) of Lumberton. North Carolina, two great nephews, Crossley E. Willis, III, of Birmingham, Johnson Ramsaur of Lumberton, and one great niece, Elizabeth Ramsaur of Lumberton. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her sisters, Margaret R. Willis (Doc) of Birmingham, and Anne R. Murray (Speck) of Franklin, North Carolina. She is also survived by a beloved sister in law, Catherine Salerno Smith of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews of her late husband.

A private graveside service will be held in Franklin. A memorial service will be held in The Ray Hall Chapel, Aldersgate, Charlotte, North Carolina on Sunday, November 24 at 2:00 p. m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Aldersgate, a United Methodist Retirement Community, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215, or a charity of one's choice.

Bryant Grant Funeral Home, Franklin NC is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.