Jerry Ray

Rhoda Jerlene “Jerry” Ray, age 101, of Berryville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, December 9, 2024. She was born November 27, 1923, in Burlington, AR to Ewell and Dovie Widner Graves. On September 28, 1942, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Harold Ray, and to this union 3 daughters were born: Loretta Writer, Leona Webb, and Leta Williams.

Jerry was a woman of faith, deeply committed to her Savior and to her church. Her family was the light of her life. She was passionate about her daughters and their families as they continued to grow. She was an avid domino player, anxious to play at a moment’s notice. She also enjoyed word puzzles, embroidery, and cooking. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, and she loved preparing for and celebrating the holiday.

Jerry is survived by 2 daughters, Loretta Writer and her husband Wayne of Berryville, and Leta Williams and her husband Darrell of Berryville, and son-in-law Mike Webb of Cave Springs. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren,16 great-great grandchildren, and 1 brother, Bob Graves.

She is preceded in death by her husband Harold, parents Ewell and Dovie Graves, daughter Leona Webb, great grandson Brent Foster, and siblings Pearl (Tom) Harp, Ruth (Otto) Carlson, Zoe (Lynn) Pennington, Archie Graves, Kenneth Graves, Emmanuel (Sylvia) Graves, Dean Graves, Earl Eugene Graves, and Basil Graves.

Celebration of Life for Jerry will be 10:00 AM, Friday, December 13, 2024, at Gass Cemetery in Omaha, AR with grandsons Rev. Anthony Writer and Rev. Austin Fleetwood officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 PM, Thursday, December 12, 2024, at First Freewill Baptist Church in Berryville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Gideons International. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.

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