Jessie Ernestine Ray, 90 of Bradenton passed away on October 7th, 2023. She was born to the late Jessie Parker Rowell and Wesley M. Rowell in Manatee County on December 7th, 1932. She was raised in Manatee County.
After graduating high school, she married the love of her life James A. Ray on June 7th, 1952. Military life moved them to multiple places to include Hawaii and Macon Ga. They were happily married for 71 years.
Many things she enjoyed doing were being a seamstress and crafting, doing home canning, being a boy scout leader, riding motorcycles, and playing in a band. She had a strong faith in God. She was a stay-at-home mom until her children were grown. After which she went to work at and retired from Schlumberger making electronic parts for aircrafts and etc. She was affectionately known as Honey, Dear, Mama, Grandma, Nanny, and Aunt Tina.
She was preceded in death by her parents and younger brother Thurman Rowell, and Son in law Earl Whigham. She is survived by her husband of 71 years James A Ray; her daughters and son in law Janet Ray of Bradenton, Shirley Flinn (Mike) of Ruskin Fl, Saundra Whigham of Jesup Ga.; son and daughter in law James Eugene Ray (Sandra) of Bradenton; her grandchildren include Chris and Heather Ray, Josh and Bobbie Ray, Tommy and Bethany Lee, Candi and Jacob Pitts, Crystal and Lee Sands, Joel Whigham and Carl Whigham. She also leaves behind 27 Great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; brother and sister-in-law Cully and Donna Rowell; one niece and one nephew. All of whom she loved dearly.
Visitation will be Thursday October 12th from 6-8pm at Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Bradenton Chapel, 912 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34207.
Funeral Services will be held at the Chapel of Toale Brothers Funeral Home, Bradenton Chapel, 912 53rd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34207, on Friday October 13, 2023, at 10:00am.
She will be laid to rest at the Sarasota National Cemetery at 12:30pm. Evangelist Jacob Pitts officiating.
