Patsy Jean Ray, age 86, passed away September 30, 2020. She was born October 11,1934 in Magnolia, Arkansas to Aubrey and Marie Kirkpatrick. She married her Korean War hero, John Edward Ray, on December 25, 1953. Johnny and Patsy were able to share their love for one another for almost 67 years. Celebrating their anniversary always brought an additional blessing to our Christmas Day.
Patsy was a charter member of Landmark Pentecostal Church. She loved her church family. Patsy was a friend to her pastors and pastor's wives. As one pastor's wife said, Patsy was her "Encourager". From small love offerings to hosting cook-outs, bonfires, and hayrides, Patsy was always ready to serve.
Patsy was the most loving, kind and merciful person you could ever encounter. She never had a cross word for anyone. She loved and respected all people. She always found some good quality in everyone. Our world today could sure use many more Patsy Ray's.
Patsy was the loving mother of two children: daughter Belinda Bryant and son Dwayne Ray. Besides her maternal children, she also welcomed into her arms Becky, Jerry, and probably some others of which we are unaware. She always seemed to find the hurting hearts and was always ready with a big hug. She was the spoiler of multiple pastor's children, John, Joy, and Chris Shearer, Lamar Edwards, Nathaniel and Danelle Hurst, Chanel Calhoun. Many of them still refer to her today as mom or mawmaw.
Patsy is survived by her husband of 66 years, her daughter Belinda and Mark Bryant, her son Dwayne and Debbi Ray, her grandchildren Anthony Bryant, Monica Jones, Stephany Moats, Brittaney Moats, ten great grandchildren and one great-great-grandson, her sisters Leona Massey, Joy Giovanni, Janice Kirkpatrick and one brother Mike Kirkpatrick. Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Tim and Bill Kirkpatrick, two sisters Barbara Ann Kirkpatrick and Sandy Lucius and one great-great-granddaughter Olivia Kenny.
Memorial service plans are pending.
An Internment service will be held Friday, October 9th at 9:15 AM at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery located at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.
Due to the COVID pandemic, there will be no visitation service. Also, during the memorial service, please were a mask and practice social distancing. Johnny's health is currently very fragile, and we do not want him contacting COVID. We know you want to love and comfort him at this time, but please be considerate of his health. Thank you.
To our loving mother, we love you. We know you and Juanita are probably traipsing around heaven together today. But for us, we are going to miss you, your little smile and your big hugs so very much!