Denise Bray Obituary

Denise Bray

1952 - 2024

Denise Bray of Santa Maria passed away on March 21st. She was born in Memphis, TN on Sept. 27, 1952. Her family relocated to San Antonio, TX where she graduated high school, then pursued a degree in Theater and Psychology, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Texas Christian University. She moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career and it was there she met her husband, Jim, in their little Southern Baptist Church in Beverly Hills. They were married in Los Angeles and began their married life in Chicago. While in Chicago, Denise studied and performed at Second City Comedy Club which she greatly enjoyed. After five years, Jim and Denise returned to Los Angeles where their son Tyler was born. Denise devoted her love and considerable skills and talents to rearing their son. After moving to Santa Maria in 1995, Denise enjoyed participating in Tyler's activities, while also teaching Drama at Cross Roads Junior High, performing at the Santa Maria Civic Theater, and leading an acting class for special needs children and adults. Denise was an active and instrumental member of Element Christian Church. She loved her grandson Arthur, and was looking forward to the birth of their first granddaughter, Elizabeth Mary.

She leaves behind her husband Jim, son Tyler, daughter-in-law Amy, and grandson Arthur.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Element Christian Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Denise to the PCPA Foundation, 237 Town Center West #106, Santa Maria, CA 93458-5075, or to Element Christian Church, 4890 Bethany Lane, Santa Maria, CA 93455

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Maria Times on Mar. 26, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Denise Bray

Sponsored by Dudley-Hoffman Mort, Crematory & Memory Gardens.

11 Entries

Sandra Buchanan Garner

April 17, 2024

Jim, I am so so for your loss. I know Denise has not been well for a while and you dedicated yourself to take care of her. That speaks volumes for your love and dedication to her. You are in my daily prayers. Love, Sandra Garner

Del Shores

April 13, 2024

Denise was such an amazing friend when I first got to LA. She took care of me, fed me, made me laugh and introduced me to a great acting community -- oh, and took me to see Bruce Springsteen. The first play I co-wrote in LA for the church, she was in. I watched her from the stage walk down the aisle to marry Jim, and with so much respect, celebrate their love and marriage. I love you so much -- and cherish the memories, the friendship and the absolutely joy that you brought to this world. Denise Dunn Bray -- you are missed! Del Shores

Mary Lou

April 2, 2024

Thinking of you Jim at this time.
Larry and I are so sorry for your loss.
Hugs and love
Mary Lou

Frances Romero

March 29, 2024

Dearest Jim, I am so sorry for your loss. You have been an amazing caregiver during these last years, I know that you have made hard decisions to provide the best care for your beloved wife. She is only a memory, cherish the many wonderful memories that you had together. Please let Tyler & his family know that they are also in our thoughts. Frances & Dean

Nichelle Diamond

March 28, 2024

Prayers are we the family during this time.

Peggy Flynn

March 27, 2024

Dear Jim, my heart is filled with sadness with the passing of Denise! I will always remember our wonderful Prayer Meetings & the love you both shared with me by always being there! Your home was always open for me or anyone & I spent a great deal of time needing your guidance, which was always given graciously! There are no words that can soften this loss except to know she is in the best hands possible! Her spirit will live on forever in all of us, may God Bless you, Tyler & your grandkids as you carry on with life & her legacy! Love to you all, Peggy

Sloane c Shepard

March 27, 2024

DEAREST JIM,
I am so sorry to hear about Denise.The few times that I was around her I just knew that she was the perfect person for you. I am sending you a big Koo-Koo Hug,and I wish I could be there to support you. Love,Sloane

Britt & Wendy Stanley

March 26, 2024

We have so many fond memories of Denise and the entire Bray family. Lead by her gift of hospitality, we spent a few Easters at their home and our children still remember the egg hunt in the field across from their home. She even got me to like fried okra. Denise was a generous, lovely and Godly woman. Our hearts and prayers are with Jim, Tyler, Amy, Arthur and new baby Elizabeth. Hoping you find comfort in knowing she is with our Heavenly Father in eternal peace and health.

Mike & Susan Moats

March 26, 2024

Dear Jim. We are so sorry for your loss. Denise truly was one of a kind. We will always remember what a valuable team member she was on the Rotary Trivia Team. She was so darn smart and witty. Sorry guys but it´s my guess she carried the team (otherwise Kiwanis would have won every year)! May you find comfort in knowing you were a wonderful caregiver and loving husband. We so admire your dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your wonderful family. Enjoy those grandchildren.

Edward Herrera

March 26, 2024

Dear Jim, just wanted reach out and send my sincerest condolences to you and your family for the passing of your wife. You may not remember me but I managed a Hotel in Avila Beach where you would stay while working for Unocal. You were always a pleasure to host and such a nice person. I hope you can find solace in the memories of your wife, as we all try to after losing someone we love dearly. Sincerely, Edward Herrera and family

Jenny Engstrom

March 26, 2024

My fondest memory is being invited to the Bray home one Easter Sunday shortly after we moved to Vandenberg. What a loving and inviting woman our Denise was. She left her mark on so many of us. So many memories of times shared with Denise, Jim and Tyler. Thankful to know we will see her again in Glory. Sending love from the Engstrom Family.

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