Jewell Marie Logsdon Ray

Jewell Marie Logsdon Ray

Jewell Marie Logsdon Ray, 85, of Lynchburg, passed away Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, at Our Lady of Hope Health Center in Richmond.

Jewell was born in Detroit, Mich., to Theresa and Jesse Logsdon, where she was raised with two brothers and a sister. She attended Sacred Heart School and was employed as a secretary when she met Homer Ray through mutual acquaintances and fell in love.

After honeymooning in New York City and Niagara Falls, Jewel and Homer lived in Akron, Ohio, where Homer was employed by Firestone Tire and Rubber. As the war ended, they were having their first child, Alan Charles, and then were in Wyandotte, Mich., for a year when Homer was employed and where Nancy Jean was born. An opportunity opened in Lynchburg, where they ultimately settled and had Robert Franklin, David Thomas and Gary Joseph.

Most of Jewell's adult life was spent in Lynchburg raising her five children, enjoying her many friends and bridge groups, traveling at the drop of a hat, corresponding with scattered family and being involved in church related activities at Holy Cross Church.

Survivors include her five children and their spouses, Alan and Pamela Ray, of Columbia, Md., Nancy Ray Bradley, of Richmond, Robert Ray, of Fulton, Md., Gary Ray, of St. John, Virgin Islands, and David and Gay Ray, of Midlothian. Grandchildren include Brian Ray, of Los Angeles, Andrew Crooker, of Atlanta, Gregory Crooker, of Atlanta, Cindy Roberts, of Richmond, Meredith French, of Chicago, Kevin Ray, of Savage Mill, David Ray, of Columbia, Sydney Ray, of Fulton, Matthew, Christian and Sarah Ray, of Midlothian and Alexander and Amelia Ray, of St. John. Her sister, Marge Wallace, of Detroit, sister-in-law, Marian Ray, as well as nine great-grandchildren also survive.

A Mass will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 4, 2010, at Thomas Moore Catholic Church in Lynchburg, followed by a reception at the Church. The family will hold a burial at a later time.