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.
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17 Condolence(s)
martha jackson
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Mrs Joann was very precious and will be missed greatly.
Jaye Mattin
Saturday, August 9, 2025
I'll miss her a lot!! She was a super sweet lady!! I have the last picture she was coloring if y'all want it. Take care ... y'all are in my prayers.
Judy Stafford
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Sorry for your loss
Sincere sympathy
Judy Stafford
Vic Waddell
Saturday, August 9, 2025
May God Bless
Markeal Ray
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Tina, Terry, and families Mom and I are sorry for your loss.
Janie Lou Brasuell
Friday, August 8, 2025
Hugs and much love to Jo's family. You are all in my prayers during this sad time.
Jo was special and she loved Jesus and I know she did her part to spread the gospel.
I'm sure Jesus has said to her welcome home.
R.I.P. beautiful lady.
Sharleta,Sharon and Regina Cranfill
Friday, August 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jim Lane
Friday, August 8, 2025
So sorry to hear of Jo Ann passing....she was a very caring and wonderful person.Always a positive person...
the loving heart showed in her.My prayers for the family and may the Good Lord strengthen each one and give comfort to each one.
Chuck Heitman
Friday, August 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss.. what a wonderful family.
JOYCE DOSSEY
Friday, August 8, 2025
I didn't know her but was good friends with Larry and Kathy when we lived in Cotter for 8 years. My condolences to the family.
Beth Blake
Friday, August 8, 2025
So sorry for your loss and prayers for family and friends. I know quite a few in the family and they are good people.
Steve and Clarene Morrow
Thursday, August 7, 2025
So sorry to hear of her passing, worked with her and Ronnie at shirt factory, prayers for this family
Velara Crownover Harris
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Worked At The Shirt Factory With Ronnie ,JoAnn,and Her Smith Siblings.Fond Memories.Sending Love And Prayers To All The Family.
Richard Queen
Thursday, August 7, 2025
Family and Friends of Joann. So sorry for your loss. Condolences to each of you.
James (Jim) Floyd
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
To the Ray family, so sorry to hear.
I worked with Joann at the Mar-Bax Shirt Co.
Very nice lady
Take care,
James
Julia Reed
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
So sorry for your families loss. Prayers for comfort and mercy in your time of need.
Carol phillips
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
I first met Joann when she was the beautiful new bride of Ronnie Ray! Throughout her life she was an example of Christian love…she was devoted to her Savior, church, family, and friends.