Vida Elsayed

Vida L. Elsayed, 72, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, passed away on March 4, 2026, at her home. Born on February 1, 1954, in Nashville, Tennessee, she was the firstborn of five children to William Scruggs and Eddie Mae Cato Scruggs.

Vida attended St. Vincent DePaul School through fourth grade, followed by Inglewood Elementary, Stratford High School, and graduated from Hume Fogg High School. She received certified training in secretarial skills in Nashville before beginning a career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Prison Counselor. Her work allowed her to travel extensively across Tennessee, Georgia, Colorado, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. She also fulfilled a longtime dream by visiting Egypt, where she saw the pyramids and sailed down the Nile River. An enthusiastic cook, Vida delighted in experimenting with gourmet dishes and recipes from many cultures. She was known for her warm smile, ready laughter, and deep love for her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Kenneth Scruggs, and several other relatives. Vida had been married twice and is survived by her three sons, Ronnie J. Ray (Rhonda) of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Andre Ray (Golda) of Springfield, Tennessee, and Anthony Ray; her sister, Susan M. Cruise of Mt. Juliet; her brothers, William (Bill) Scruggs Jr. of Gallatin, Tennessee, and John A. Scruggs (Angelena) of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren Dominique Ray, Cali Ray, DeAndre Ray, Detevion Ray, DeNizha Ray, and Desaria Ray; numerous great-grandchildren; cousins; nephews; a devoted aunt; and many cherished friends.