Irma "Pee Wee" June (Richardson) Ray

Irma “Pee Wee” June Ray, of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by her devoted family on Sunday, the 19th day of March 2023.  Mrs. Ray was born the youngest of four children to parents Clyde Andy Richardson and Iva Lois Mathis Richardson on the 7th day of June 1932 in Montalba, Texas.  She lived a life full of love and devotion to the Lord and her family until the age of 90.    

Mrs. Ray was a lifelong member of Crockett Road Church of Christ.  She loved the Lord and lived her life to honor Him.  She worked as a secretary at Knox Glass Company for fifteen years, and later retired from Palestine I.S.D. after working as a secretary at the middle school for twenty years.  During that time, she formed many friendships that she held dearly.     

Mrs. Ray put her family first and was always there with a kind word or a gentle hug.  Her children and grandchildren brought her much joy and she loved to spoil and spend time with all of them.  Quilting and needlepoint were two hobbies that Mrs. Ray enjoyed, and her family received many precious gifts from her creations throughout the years.  She also was a talented cook and was best known for her fried chicken, coconut pies, and bunny cakes that she made every Easter.  Mrs. Ray was an avid coin collector and she loved working in her flower garden.  She is now with her husband in Heaven, but her legacy will live on in the lives of her family who deeply loved her.      

Mrs. Ray is preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Iva Richardson; husband of 71 years, James “J.M.” Mallard Ray; sisters, Wanda Louise Mitchell (Bob), and Eva Richardson Jeffcoat (Clifford); and her brother, Grady Angel Richardson (Marie).

Mrs. Ray left a multitude of good memories to be cherished forever by her loving daughters, Melody Paul and husband Gary, and Susan Ray all of Palestine, Texas; son, Mitchell Ray and wife Leslie Wooley Ray, of Huntsville, Texas; grandchildren, Alissa Paul, Taylor Paul and wife Jana, Jordan Ray and wife Lindsey, and Josie Ray.  Mrs. Ray also leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Ethan Piper, Alex McCreary, Stella Paul, Sheppard Paul, Reece Ray, and Landon Ray; one great-great-grandson, Wyatt Hollingsworth; special friend and caregiver, Carmen Sargent; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A funeral service to honor Irma “Pee Wee” Ray’s life is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Thursday, the 23rd day of March 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Dan Manuel officiating the service.  Interment will follow in Liberty Cemetery in Bradford, Texas.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Mitchell Ray, Taylor Paul, Jordan Ray, Adrian Mitchell, Corey Camp, and Travis Miller.

The family would like to thank Dr. Chadwell, the staff at Legacy at Town Creek, and Heart to Heart Hospice for the excellent care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in honor of Mrs. Ray be sent to Central Texas Childrens Home, 13200 Crane Road, Buda, Texas 78610.

Funeral services for Irma June Ray are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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