Jo Ann Ray

1941 - 2025

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

She was born Jan. 24, 1941 in Flippin, Ark., 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 two children, whom she adorned with handcrafted 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. Jo Ann, 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; sisters LaVerne Adams, Darlene McClendon and Jeanette Heard.

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