Jo Ann Ray

of Gassville, AR

January 24, 1941 - August 5, 2025

Jo Ann Ray of Gassville has gone to be with the lord on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at age 84.

She was born January 24, 1941 in Flippin, AR to Forrest and Elwese Smith. Jo Ann was the pinnacle of compassion. Her maternal nature shined, even in youth, as an elder amongst 12 children, of which she helped care for. She later started a family of her own in 1962, when she married Ronnie Ray. They had 2 children, whom she adorned with hand-crafted clothes throughout their lives. Her love for sewing aided in a 38-year employment at Capitol Mercury (Mar-Bax) shirt company, where she supervised the samples department.

She leaves a legacy of love. Though her two grandchildren held a special place in her heart, she was known as Nana, Aunt Jo or Mrs. JoAnn to countless family members, neighborhood kids and Sunday School students. Her home remained open to them all (and was often filled with fresh baked cookies). You can be sure she prayed for you time and again! A woman of strong faith who always led with love, she made sure we knew, ''Nana loves you and Jesus loves you!''

Jo Ann Ray is survived by her brother, Donald Smith of Lead Hill; sisters, Kathy (Larry) Rose of Cotter, Norma Shafer of Yakima, Carolyn Huddleston of Georgetown and Debbie (Marvin) Parks of Silsbee; son, Terry (Wendy) Ray of Gassville; daughter, Tina (Russ) Dameron of Kimberling City; granddaughters, Stormi Day of Mountain Home and Addi Ray of Gassville; in addition to many nieces and nephews that she warmly doted on.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her loving husband, Ronnie Ray; parents, Forrest and Elwese Smith; In-laws, Howard ''Buck'' and Evelyn Ray; brothers, Dale Smith, Doyle Smith, Johnny Smith, Carl Smith and Leonard Adams and sisters, LaVerne Adams, Darlene McClendon and Jeanette Heard.

Visitation will begin on Saturday, August 9th at 1PM in the Calvary Temple Church in Cotter, followed by a 2PM funeral service with Pastor Kyle Tardiff officiating.

Service Information
Visitation
Calvary Temple Assembly of God
1824 Harding Blvd
Cotter,  AR 72626
8/9/2025 at 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Service
Funeral
Calvary Assembly of God
1824 Harding Blvd
Cotter,  AR 72626
8/9/2025 at 2:00 p.m.
   


Obituary Provided By:
Roller Funeral Home
Highway 5 North
Mountain Home, AR  72654
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com