Vera Rosemond Edwards Gray

Vera Rosemond Edwards Gray, age 103 years 9 months and 9 days, went to be with her Lord on January 21, 2016 from Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was born April 12, 1912 in the community of Kedron near Rison in Cleveland County, Arkansas, a daughter of the late William Edwards and Hila Jane Etter Edwards. Vera graduated from Rison High School in 1933 in a class of 16 (3 girls and 13 boys). Her profession was that of a Homemaker in which she lovingly cared for her husband, children and others who needed her love and care. She was a member of Rison Baptist Church, where in her younger years she taught children in Training Union and GA's (Girls Missions Organization under the auspieces of WMU. She was also very active in WMU and served on various committee's. She loved her church, her pastor, her Sunday School class and teacher. She loved each member and was always happy when new members joined. She also had a card ministry for many years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by William Vance Gray, her loving husband of 60 years, on July 21, 1995, a grandson, Jeffery Scott Ray, a sister, Josie Lee Edwards Ratliff Coats and a brother Charlie Clarence Edwards.

Survivors include a son, Ben H. Gray of Texarkana, AR, a daughter, Joyce (Joy) L. Ray (husband Rev. David Ray) of Rison. 2 grandchildren: David Ray, Jr. (Julie Ray) of Arlington, TN and Laura Gray of Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa and 3 great grandchildren: Jacob Ray Siler of Edwards Air Force Base, CA, Zachary James Ray of East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN and Katelyn Joy Ray of Arlington, TN. She also has many nieces and nephews as well as greats and great greats who were so special to her. She loved them all. One nephew, Steve Ratliff and wife Louise helped on many occasions as her care givers when Joy had to be away. Our gratitude is extended to them.

Funeral services will be at 3:00, Sunday, January 24 at Rison Baptist Church with Bro. Danny Allen officiating and David Ray sharing letters from Vera's grandchildren and great grandchildren who could not be here. Visitation will be at 2:00 in the church fellowship hall until time for the service. Interment will be in Greenwood Cemetery by Buie Funeral Home of Rison. Nephew; Steve Ratliff and Great Nephews; Tommy Green, David Green, Don Green, Ray Green, Phil Green, Tim Green, Eddie King, Danny King, Mike Ratliff, Chris Ratliff, Michael Ratliff, Mark Ratliff, DeWayne Arnold, Geno Jenkins, Scotty Rogers and Steven Rogers will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to the Rison Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 404, Rison, AR 71665 or Hospice Angels, 3801 Camden Road, Village Chapel I, Suite 12, Pine Bluff, AR 71603. Arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home of Rison.