Myra Jean Ray, 84, of Allen, Texas, a good and faithful servant, went to be with her Lord on May 21, 2017. She leaves behind her son, Terry Lee Ray, and his wife, Rebecca Ray, of Plano; her granddaughter, Tara Ray Catlin, her husband, Ray Catlin, of Coppell, and their four children, Caden Bear Benedict, Gabriel Lee Benedict, Cade Edmond Catlin, and Corie Elizabeth Catlin; her grandson, Zachory Perry Ray of Garland and his two sons, Corey Landon Ray and Caige Michael Ray; two sisters, Margie Isom (husband James) and Nell Admire of Bridgeport; as well as many treasured nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends.
Her absence will be felt by many and we are truly grateful to have been blessed with her life. Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Lee Ray, grandson, Corey Lee Ray, and brother, Everett Lee Hicks.
A Native Texan, she was born to the late Eugene Hicks and Clara Barrett Hicks in Como, Texas, where she was raised. Jean married the love of her life, Lee Ray, in 1948. They shared a beautiful life together, spending the majority of their 59 years of marriage in Winnsboro, Texas, where Lee served two terms as Mayor and Jean as active First Lady. They traveled the world together and shared a romance that was fit for the Hollywood screens. While in Winnsboro, Jean taught Sunday school at First Baptist Church where she was an active member for many years. Jean was also a member of the Sisterhood of the Order of the Eastern Star in Winnsboro, Chapter #967. Lee and Jean moved to Allen, Texas in 1998 where they attended Prestonwood Baptist Church, serving as greeters and ushers, until Lee’s death in 2008. Jean then joined First Baptist Church Allen where she became an active member of her bible study class, in which she accumulated many dear friends. Jean touched many lives along her way. She had a compassionate heart, a strong love for people and doing for others that brought her much joy. Jean was a lady in every sense of the word and attracted others with her striking beauty, grace, quick wit, and Southern charm.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Allen, Texas at 10am on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. Visitation will be held on the same day at Beaty Funeral Home in Winnsboro, Texas from 2:30-3:00pm with the Interment immediately following at Lee Cemetery in Winnsboro.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to First Baptist Church, Allen, Accord Hospice Care, or a charitable organization of your choice.
