Joyce Ann Ray

Joyce Ann Wheeler Ray, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished member of the Tri-City Pentecostal Church, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of devoted love and strong faith. Born on September 15, 1937, in Pike County, Kentucky, to the late Harrison and Audie Mae Wheeler, Joyce's life was a testament to her devotion to family and her spiritual beliefs. She professed Christ at the early age of 16 and has been a devoted Christian for over 72 years. She was a faithful pillar of the Tri-City Pentecostal Church, where her presence and spirit enriched the lives of many.

Joyce's greatest joy and accomplishment was her large and loving family.
She is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jack Ray, and her daughters, Susan Ray Gilbert and Rhonda Ray Forester, along with her grandson, Michael Brandon Gilbert. She also joins her parents, Harrison and Audie Mae Caldwell Wheeler, and her siblings: Clifford, Gordon, and Roger Wheeler, Mary Ruth McCown, and Carla Sue Casteel, in eternal rest.

Her memory will forever be a guiding light for her seven surviving children: Jennifer (Rex) Blanton, Gregory (Jeannie) Ray, Clarence “Jackie” (Mary) Ray, Jo-Anna Ray, David (LaDonna) Ray, Dena (Lynn) Schwartz, and Dana Ray, grandchildren: Kimberly (Will) Stanton, Seth (Jenny) Blanton , Erin (Aaron) Cloer, James Forester, Daniel Forester, Rebecca (James) Fields, Cierra Almquist, Devon Ray, Nicholas Ray, Elizabeth (Evan) Draeger, David Michael Ray, Lauren (Steele) Ward, Crystal Boyd and Adam Schwartz, great grandchildren: Dylan (Madison) Stanton, Savannah (Brandon) Coots, Michael Waylan Gilbert, Drew Blanton, Sam Blanton, Conner Blanton , Silas Cloer, Mary Cloer, Judah Cloer, Landon Forester, Ian Forester, Addison Forester, James Daniel Fields, Camden Ray, Baytz  Almquist, and Landry and Layni, great great grandchildren: Natalie, Blakelyn and Millie Stanton.

Known affectionately as Joyce, Sister Ray, Mrs. Ray, and most dearly as Mom, Nanny, Great Nanny, and Great Great Nanny, Joyce’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her immediate family. She was also known for her incredible culinary skills, a talent that brought joy to countless people. For many years, she served as a cook at the Cumberland Tastee Freeze, a job she truly loved. Later in life, after raising her children, she dedicated her career to feeding and caring for students as a cafeteria manager in the school system, first at Benham Elementary and then at Cumberland Elementary, until her retirement at the age of 72. Her dedication to the children she served was as strong as her love for them, and she often spoke of how much she cherished her time in school. Her legendary fried chicken and coleslaw were always a crowd-pleaser, a delicious reflection of her generous heart.

Joyce Ann’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, faith, and selfless service. She found extreme happiness in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, her greatest treasure. Her impact on those who knew her, whether as a beloved matriarch, a faithful church member, a dedicated cafeteria manager, or a talented cook, will be deeply felt. She will be missed more than words can express, but her enduring love and the lessons of her faith will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 26th at the Tri-Cities Pentecostal Church from 6 to 8 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, May 27th, at 2 p.m. with Brother Billy Lewis officiating.

Burial will follow in the Ray Family Cemetery at Dione, Kentucky.

Cumberland Valley Funeral Home is Honored to Serve the Joyce Ann Ray Family

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