Mary Josephine Ray Brown, of Birmingham, passed away quietly on Monday evening, March 25, while surrounded by her family. She was a few days into her 86th year.
To those who knew her, Mary Jo was an example. Throughout her life and final illness, Mary Jo responded to all things with a preternatural compassion and patience. Of the many things she was and is no longer, her manner of life remains her legacy.
Mary Jo was born on March 22, 1927, to Theodore and Effie Conway in Hackleburg, Ala. She was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law and an adoring grandmother.
Mary Jo was predeceased by her parents; her siblings, Theta and Kermit Conway; and her husband, Conder Plumer “Pete” Ray (1961); and husband, Dennis J. Brown (1972).
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Connie Ray and Richard Stockham, of Birmingham; grandson, Nathaniel “Nate” Stockham, of Stanford, Calif.; brother and sister-in-law, Hudon and Nadine Conway; and nephew, Hudon Conway Jr. (Barbara), all of Houston, Texas; great-goddaughter, Phillips Thomas, of Tuscaloosa; great-godson, Richard Bass, of Birmingham; sisters-in-law, Guynell Sanders (Gay), of Birmingham, and Ann Vickery (Crockett), of Double Springs; and brothers-in-law, Jimmy Ray (Jean), of Vernon, Max (Carole) Ray, of Hackleburg, and Wayne (Lela) Ray, of Russellville; close cousin, Margaret Gray, of Birmingham; and numerous nieces; nephews; grandnieces; grandnephews; and cousins.
Mary Jo had the great fortune to be surrounded by wonderful people, especially in her last days. The family is especially appreciative to Tamika Reese, Joseph Gitau and the many other generous nurses and aides at South Haven Health and Rehabilitation.
Arrangements are being handled by Pinkard Funeral Home of Russellville. There will be a graveside service at Hackleburg’s Cedar Tree Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 28. The Rev. Dr. Belon Friday will be performing the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hackleburg Schools Relief Fund.
Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville, will be directing.
[sam id=”9″ codes=”true”]
