Joan H. Bray

JOAN H. BRAY May 5, 1920 - February 22, 2006 Joan was born on May 5, 1920, to Samuel Ray Underhill and Hilma Maudilia Petersen in Stromsburg, NE. She moved to California in 1939. She married Doyle Victor Pershing Bray on July 18, 1942, in San Francisco, CA. She is preceded in death by Doyle, her loving husband of 62 years. Joan was the story teller in the family and an excellent historian. She will be best remembered as a parent and foster parent, and as a strong Christian woman. Through an extended family, foster care, and a generous welcome, Joan touched the lives of over 70 children in the Valley, many of whom have had an ongoing relationship with her as adults. She faithfully attended Bible Study every Monday night for many, many years. When she was no longer able to drive to meet with the group, Jane Ann and Juanita brought the Bible Study to her and her new friends at Country Care in Selma. The family will always be grateful for Jane Ann and Juanita. They are truly servants of God, serving others. Joan was an active member and Lay Leader of Armona United Methodist Church and a past member of Hanford Presbyterian Church. Her church family was very important to her as was the work of helping and reaching out to others in developing their Christian faith. The family wishes to express thanks for the support from her many friends and church family and gratitude for the gentle loving care that Joan received from the staff at Country Care in Selma, where she resided for the past year. She is survived by children, Alan Bray of Texas, Barbara Bray of Fowler, John Bruce Bray of Clovis, Rodger Brayfindley of McKinleyville, CA, Pete Altamirano of Lemoore, John Bohannan of Visalia, Melanie Griffith of Hanford, Tom Koczynski of Bakersfield, and many others who also called her Mom. She is also survived by sisters, Vena Pace of Grand Island, NE and Shirley Wallen of Syracuse, NE; her incredible grandchildren, Michelle and Anny, Stacey, Sara, Sammi and Dustin, and Isak and Eva; and her only great-grandchild Jessie, in Germany. A Celebration of her Life will be held at the Armona United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 4, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. Memorial donations may be made to the Armona United Methodist Church, 14013 Hanford-Armona Road, Armona, CA.