Lalonnie Gay Collins-Ray, was born on December 16th, 1953 to the union James Nickerson, Sr. and Isadora Patterson, in Dallas, Tx., in which 4 children were born, with Lalonnie being the eldest of 5.

Lay (as her family lovingly calls her), who loved to sing, accepted Christ at an early age, while being raised in DeBerry, Tx by her grandparents Jim and ELeavy Patterson. By the age of 16, upon the passing of their grandmother, Lalonnie and her siblings were moved to Dallas, Tx to live with their mother. Lalonnie attended Lincoln Highschool, in the South Dallas area, where she met Keasha's father, Aaron Richards. Though she did not graduate from Lincoln, Lalonnie went on to Job Corps to    finish her studies. In the early 80's, she met and married Warner Collins, Jr., until their divorce a decade later. During the trials of life, Lalonnie met Mr. Eddie Ray, in whom she married in 2010, until his unforeseen passing a short time later. Since Lalonnie Collins, knew where her true calling was, she joined God's Greater Holy Temple where she continued to sing and be (as she said) a Soldier and minister, in the army of the Lord.  She was recognized for her works in the God's army and became an ordained minister in 2016, praying for others and doing the work of the Lord, until He called her home on the morning November the 6th.

She was preceded in death by her father, James Nickerson, Sr.; mother, Isadora Patterson; only brother, James Nickerson, Jr.; sister, Ella Marie Baggett and husband, Eddie Ray.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Her only child, Keasha Harper (Reginald); 7 grandchildren: Aighiray, Aighinae, Aaron, Alasia, Z'Laya, Autumn and Reginald, Jr.; 1 great grandchild, Taylor; sisters: Evelyn Moore (John, Sr.) and Barbara Bookman (Darryl); a host of cousins, nieces, nephews as well as her bonus daughters, and 1 son.