W.T. Shumake & Daughters

September 16, 1930 - September 1, 2026

Mary Louise Conaway, of Louisville, transitioned on Tuesday September 1, 2026.

Visitation 5pm - 7pm Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral Mass 11am Thursday, September 10, 2026 at St. Ignatius Martyr Church 1818 Rangeland Road

In the words of Mary Louise Ray Conaway, “I was actually born on September 16, 1928 in Springfield, Kentucky, to George Ray and Mary Elizabeth Workfield Ray, but when I got my social security card somehow my birthdate changed to September 16, 1930 and I have used that date ever since.” Mary Louise was the second of nine children: Robert Leachman, Alice Elizabeth, Betty Ann, Sarah, George Jr., Preston, Willie, and one child who lived only about a week.

As a young girl, Mary attended Catholic school for a time. Because there were no Black high schools in Springfield and her family’s funds were limited, Louise began working as a domestic before moving to Louisville. There, she met the love of her life, Sylvester Conaway. After a short courtship, they married, and Louise, as family and friends called her, devoted herself to caring for their home.
Soon, Bruce and Stephen were born, and Louise’s role as a wife and mother became her greatest priority. Sadly, their storybook marriage was short-lived. When the boys were 11 and 13, Sylvester died, leaving Louise with the responsibility of caring for her family. With strength and determination, she returned to domestic work to support her household.
A new chapter in Louise’s life began when she went to work for Kinnard & Francke Interiors & Flooring. She remained there for 38 years before retiring. To Louise, the company was more than an employer; the people there made her feel like family long after her retirement.

Louise’s faith was her strong anchor. After the death of her husband, and both of her sons, she found refuge in the church. Her commitment to service was reflected in her dedication to St Ignatius. Before her health began to fail, she was an active volunteer, always lending a helping hand when needed.

On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Mary Louise Ray Conaway, at the tender age of 95 or 97, departed this life. She leaves to cherish her memories her daughter-in-law, Patricia Conaway; grandchildren, Doug Young, Stephon Lewis, Ashlee Conaway, Andre Conaway, Natasha Maddox, Jarod Maddox; great grandchildren, Andrea, Lamia, Andre Jr., Ashanti, Adashe, Amanda, Alyia, Kadin, Tyree, RJ, Tyrell, and Tyus; seven great, great grandchildren; one sister, Sarah Ray; and host of relative, extended family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Mary Ray; children, Bruce and Stephen Conaway; grandson, Andre Lewis; and siblings, Robert, Alice, Betty, George Jr., Preston, and Willie.