Neva Jean Ray

Neva Jean Ray, age 89 of Lavaca, Arkansas, died at home Tuesday, December 9, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born on January 20, 1936, in Tyronza, Arkansas, in Poinsett County, to the late Henry Paul Dunnam and Laura Mae (Pugh) Dunnam. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Doyle Ray; and two sisters, Peggy Newman and Linda Sosebee and husband Larry.

Neva was a homemaker and loved the outdoors. She was a member of the Ester Sunday School Class and member of Lavaca First Baptist Church. She was dedicated to her family and anyone in need. You just had to ask and she was there.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 12th at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston, with Bro. Randy Hogan officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Valley Cemetery, located south of Lavaca, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower in Charleston.

She is survived by a daughter, Terrie Ray McCollom and husband Larry of Lavaca; a son, Billy Paul Ray and wife Jeanetta of Lavaca; three granddaughters, Jamie Schmalz and husband Adam, Stephanie Giles and husband Chris, and Crystal Ballance; seven great-grandsons, which will be her pallbearers, Spencer Giles, Haygen Karns, Layne Karns, Peyton Giles, Gunner Schmalz, Finn Schmalz, and Fletchin Lairamore; a sister, Pauletta Sexton and husband Arnold of Lavaca; a brother-in-law, Carroll Newman of Lavaca; several nieces and nephews; and two step-grandchildren, Larry Wayne McCollom and family and Jaime Asbill and family.

The family will visit with friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

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