Nita Gayle Ray

Nita (Cox) Ray, 73, of Waco, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on March 8, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Waco Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Lunch reception to follow.

Nita was born October 29, 1952, in Waco, Texas, to Dale and Barbara Cox. She graduated from Richfield High School in 1971. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother (“MawMaw”), sister, and friend, known for her faith, prayer, and the steady warmth that made people feel safe and cared for. She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will continue to shape everyone who was blessed to know her.

Nita was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Ray, and her parents, Dale and Barbara Cox. She and Jerry shared 50 years of marriage, a faithful love that anchored their family.

Nita’s life was rooted in Jesus. She did not just believe in prayer, she practiced it faithfully and specifically, covering her family and friends with quiet confidence that the Lord hears and holds His people. If you were lucky enough to be around her, you also knew her joy. Nita’s smile could settle your heart, and her laughter could turn an ordinary moment into something lighter, proof that joy and faith can live side by side even through life’s hardest seasons.

Nita gave much of her life in steady service, both at home and in her work. She spent more than three decades at Brazos Electric Cooperative, where she was known for loyalty, dependability, and a strong work ethic.

A significant part of Nita’s legacy was her love for the local church and the next generation. For many years, she attended Calvary Assembly of God, where she served in ladies' and girls' ministries, taught Sunday school, and helped with the bus ministry. In later years, she also worshiped and served through Hewitt Community Church, including participating on the prayer team and helping with behind-the-scenes care.

She was a wonderful cook, and her kitchen was a place of comfort where love was expressed through food and hospitality. In Nita and Jerry’s home, people felt welcomed and at ease. There always seemed to be room at the table and time to stay a while, and Nita had a way of making you feel like you mattered. Whether you were family, friend, coworker, or neighbor, you felt it.

Nita is survived by her son, Corey Ray, and his wife, Denise Ray, and her daughter, Kelly Balderrama, and husband Matthew Balderrama. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Colby Ray, Lexie Ray, Ridge Balderrama, and Hadley Balderrama, her twin brother, Norman Cox, and his wife, Ruthie Cox, and many extended family and dear friends who loved her deeply.

The family would like to thank The Delaney at Lake Waco, Ascension Living Providence Village and Providence Hospice for their compassion, support, and care.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:23