Mary Joan Bray
June 25, 1928 – December 22, 2023
Our mom, Mary Joan Bray, left us on December 22, 2023, to be with our Heavenly Father. Mary was born on June 25, 1928 and was the daughter of Andy and Esther Rawles. For the last two years, Mary was a resident at Holden Manor in Holden where she was cared for by a staff of very compassionate caregivers.
Before moving to Holden Manor, Mary lived on a small farm outside of Holden where she enjoyed sitting on her front porch and having a glass of iced tea, sitting at her kitchen table having coffee, and watching the red birds in her Rose of Sharon from her kitchen window. Mary loved the simple things in life, never asking or wanting anything that she felt was not a necessity. In the spring, she enjoyed seeing all the flowers and trees bloom. In the summer, she enjoyed just sitting on the side of the road watching cattle graze on a great pasture while enjoying an order of cheesy tater tots from Sonic. In the fall, she would always want to make sure her cats and dogs had a warm place to stay on the cold nights, and that all her bird feeders were full. In the winter, she enjoyed decorating for the holidays and looked forward to the turkey dinner with homemade dressing and dinner rolls. Mary loved being with her family, laughing, recalling all the good times and holding a little one.
Mary married Tom Bray on May 29, 1945. They were blessed with fifteen beautiful children: Kathy, Eddie, Robbie, Debi, Rusty, Vicki, Billy, Theresa, Ruthy, Timmy, Becky, Pat, Chrisi, Mike and Lori. Her children continued to bless her with many wonderful grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Mary will be dearly missed, but we know she is in Heaven with her precious boys, Rusty, Robbie and Timmy, her mom, dad and daddy.
Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!
Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards, I will live with you forever in your home. Psalm 23
Love you so very much, Mom.
