Molly Jo Ray
June 30, 1936 ~ September 3, 2024
Molly Jo Ray, a lifelong resident of Palestine, Texas, passed away peacefully with her devoted family by her side on Tuesday, the 3rd day of September 2024. She was 88 years of age when she was called home to be with her loving Lord and Savior. Born and raised in Palestine, Texas, on the 30th day of June 1936 to parents Joel Marvin Reed and Eula Katherine "Potsie" Eubanks, Ms. Ray's presence was a constant source of warmth and kindness to all who knew her.
Ms. Ray was a proud graduate of Palestine High School, where she formed many lifelong friendships and established the foundation for a life full of love for her community. Her career was as varied as it was service-oriented. She co-owned and helped manage James F. Ray used cars. Later, she found joy in delivering flowers for Verda's Flower Shop, brightening the days of countless recipients with her visits. Ms. Ray's dedication to her community was perhaps most evident in her over thirty years of service in the funeral business. As a visitation receptionist, she offered comfort and a gentle presence to many during their times of loss. Her final years before her health declined, she spent at Rhone Funeral Home, where she was not just an employee but a cherished member of the team.
Ms. Ray's talents and interests reached far beyond her professional life. She played the piano at Long Lake Baptist Church for many years, filling the sanctuary with beautiful music that touched the hearts of the congregation. Her faith continued to be a central part of her life as a member of the Crockett Road Church of Christ, where she was known for her steadfast devotion and friendly spirit, always sending cards to those experiencing challenging seasons in life.
A woman who loved people and visiting, Ms. Ray never missed an opportunity to connect with others, whether it was through a simple conversation or a heartfelt embrace. Her love for her family was profound and unwavering, and she cherished every moment spent with them. In her leisure time, she could often be found working on puzzles, or reading her Bible. An avid Texas Rangers fan, she followed her team with enthusiasm, never wavering in her support through the ups and downs of each season.
Those who knew Ms. Ray will remember her as the epitome of loving, gentle, and friendly. Her legacy is one of kindness, a gentle touch, and a ready smile for everyone she encountered. Her absence will be deeply felt by the many lives she touched, but her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her friends, family, and the Palestine community.
Ms. Ray joins her parents, son Jimmy Ray, brother Richard "Dick" Reed, and her granddaughter, Christy Ray, in heaven.
Left to cherish the wonderful memories are her daughters, Becky Ray Mitchell, and Vickie Ray and husband Eddie, all of Palestine, Texas; sister, Bennye Rice and husband George; sister-in-law, Mary Reed; and her grandchildren, Aaron "James" Ray, Jennifer Paine and husband John, Heather Cornelison and husband Alan, and Adam Ray. She also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren, other family members, and many friends.
As we bid her farewell, we celebrate the harmonious life she led and the countless memories she has left us. Her story is not one of sorrow but a beautiful testament to a life well-lived and a woman well-loved.
Friends are invited to a visitation with the family from two o'clock until four o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 8th day of September 2024 at Rhone Funeral Home.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Molly Jo Ray are to be conducted at ten o'clock in the morning on Monday, the 9th day of September 2024 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Dan Manuel and Ben Rhone officiating the service. Interment will follow in Land of Memory Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Adam Ray, Aaron "James" Ray, Jon Rhone, Gary Calcote, Ronnie Foster, and Caden Frazier. Honorary pallbearers include the Rhone Funeral Home staff.
Kindly note, for those unable to attend the service, livestreaming will be available via Rhone Funeral Home's Facebook page.
The family would like to thank Heart to Heart Hospice, and her caregivers, Sheila and Vickey, for their loving care throughout the last several months.
Funeral services for Molly Jo Ray are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas.
We kindly request that you take a moment to express your condolences and share any cherished memories you may have by selecting the "Share a Memory" icon below. Your words of comfort will undoubtedly bring solace to her bereaved family.
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Such a sweet person. Thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you comfort.
Our families lived on Fifth Street where my brother, Rusty, along with Becky Vickie, and Jimmy ran the streets having such a good time. Ms. Molly was always laughing and feeding us treats. Those were the days! Our sincerest condolences to all. A mom like Molly touches the hearts of others and her memory lives on in our hearts. She was a sweetheart.
Bill-Becky Lincoln Cooksey
Fort Worth, Texas
Miss Molly was a dear sweet neighbor who always took an interest in how we were doing. Our sincere condolences and prayers for the family.
Q: How would you describe Molly to someone who had never met them?
A: Becky,
Although I knew of your mother for years, I really got to know her when we started working together. She was always so nice and such a caring lady. She brightened up the room when she entered. She treated everyone with respect and was a great Christian example to all. Shelly and I loved to visit with her on Sunday mornings before Sunday School class, and I loved to hear her sing the hymns (she sat behind us). She was a special lady that we will always fondly remember. We will have you and your family in our prayers.
She truly was a very kind, gentle person.
I have known Molly for many years, and as was said she always had a smile and was always friendly to everyone. My thoughts are with Vickie and Eddie Ray, two good friends.
Vickie, Becky, and family, Deb and I extend our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Just know we are lifting you in prayer, and send you our love. Your mom, Ms Molly was such a delightful lady in our lives and we will always remember her loving kindness and encouraging spirit. You have been greatly blessed.
My sympathy to all the family. Molly was a kind, sweet and caring person. I did not know her well, but she always treated me so kindly when I was with her. I have been blessed that she shared her precious sister, Bennye with me. I pray each of you find comfort in the time to come, as you face tomorrow without your mom, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Nothing will fill the void in your heart, but time will allow you some comfort and healing.
Love,
Beth McIntosh
I have been glad to have Molly as a friend; I enjoyed her in my S.S. Class and other church activities.
Becky and Vicky, mother and I send our deepest love and prayers for comfort at this time. Your sweet mother was always so kind to us growing up and everytime I saw her she had a loving greeting and a hug for me. She will be missed but oh the joy she is having in heaven! Thank God it’s only a temporary parting for us. Love you girls!!
Thank you for the excellent care you gave to mother.
Sheila and Vickey will continue to be my Friend.
Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers .
Mother was happy to have you as a neighbor.
I love and miss you.
Dear Becky,
You and your family are in Timothy’s and my prayers during this special time in your lives.
There are words of comfort found in John 16:16, “A little while and you will no longer see me; and a little while, you shall see me again.”
and excerpts from verse 20: “…you will weep and lament, …you will grieve, but your grief will be turned onto joy.”
our love, Timothy & Elaine Triplett
Becky, Vickie, Bennye and all family I am truly sorry for your loss right now. I can remember when visiting from Port Arthur seeing our maw maw, she was always so sweet, kind and caring. She’s definitely now with all in heaven already and no pain or suffering but Safe In Jesus’ arms!
With Love,
Beverly Meyer