Curley Elizabeth Ray

 

Curley Elizabeth Ray, age 97 was born March 13, 1926 in Dandridge, TN and she moved to Jefferson City in 2004. She was called home on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Tennova Medical Center in Newport after a lengthy illness with her daughter by her side.  She was the second child of Roy and Mary Branner. Curley was a member at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Dandridge, TN and worked several jobs over the years, that included domestic work and manufacturing work. In her younger years, she and her two sisters formed a trio and sang at various churches. They enjoyed singing gospel songs. She also enjoyed watching Price is Right every morning. Her favorite saying was “I reckon”,  and she also had a good sense of humor.

Curley was proceeded in death by her parents; Roy and Mary Branner; her husband, Edward Ray; sisters, Alice Thomas, Beulah Brooks, Marlan Gray, Christine Dockery, and Margie Branner; brother, Walter Branner; children, Curtis Branner, Magdalene Ray, Eddie Ray, and Leroy Ray, special sister-in-law, Geraldine Ray Dockery. She is survived by special sister; Kathleen Brown (and the late Donald Brown); brother, Clint (Sarah) Branner; children, devoted daughter Brenda (Rant) Gibson, Ralph (Kim) Ray, Libby (Todd) Cotner, and Stevie (Mary) Ray; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Devoted special friend, Gail “Fup” Smith; special neighbor, Barbara Bright.  The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 31, 2023, from 12:00 noon to 2:00p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 2:00p.m. at Farrar Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Steve Simpson officiating. Interment will follow at Dandridge Memorial Gardens.

ARRANGMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE, TN