Raye Green Roberts

Olean- Raye Green Roberts, 89, of Olean, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 19, 2025, surrounded by loved ones and wonderful caregivers at the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville.

Born January 4, 1936, in Covington, Louisiana, Raye moved to Buffalo as a child. She graduated from Hutchinson Central High School (now known as Hutchinson Central Technical High School). Raye went on to obtain her Registered Nurse (RN) Associate Degree at the Lincoln Hospital School for Nursing (the first nursing school for African American Women in New York City). She began her RN career at the Emergency Hospital, and from there, she went on to work at the Olean General Hospital to become the first leader of Color Nursing Supervisor and went on to lead nursing as a Nurse Manager; she retired in 2013 after more than 50 years of service and dedication to the profession.

Raye was never far away from giving back to her community. She was President of the Olean General Hospital Auxiliary and a committee member of the Cattaraugus County and City Democratic Committee from 1999 until 2020. She was a staunch believer in racial justice and equity. She was an avid reader and passed that love down to her daughters. She had a joyful personality, loved dancing and music, especially Ray Charles and BB King, and was an incredible cook.

Raye is survived by her sons, Patrick Hayes and Larry (Charlette) Jones; and daughters, Cynthia Latney, and Michelle Roberts; and two grandsons, Myron (Kaeyla) Latney Jr. and Darian Latney; her stepbrother, Horace Green Jr.; as well as two sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law, Nadalyn Roberts, Ozie Ann Smith, and Samuel Roberts, and; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss her dearly. Raye’s legacy of service, kindness, witty humor, and love of friends will live on with the people who knew her.

She was predeceased by her husband, Paul; her parents, Charles Green and Eula May Harris; and ex-husband Yancy Jones

Family will receive family and friends on February 8, 2025, from 11 am to 12 noon at the Mt. Zion Christian Assembly St.  321 Front St. Olean. A celebration of Raye’s life will begin at noon. Burial will be at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Hart Comfort House 141 East State St., Wellsville, NY 14895

Online condolences may be expressed at guentherfh.com