Jean Jennie Ray

Jean Jennie Ray, 91, of Ocean Springs, MS, died on Saturday, March 24, 2018. Mrs. Ray was born in Pawtucket, RI on June 25, 1926, the daughter of Henry and Aniela (Nellie) Watras Piatek. She worked at various companies including Alcoa, Bendix, Allied Signal, and others. She had two daughters by her first marriage and gained three step-sons when she married Charlie Ray. She was an active member of innumerable Veterans and POW organizations, including Vietnam Veterans of Ventura County (CA); Vietnam Veterans of America, James Michael Ray Memorial Post 818, Lincoln, RI; Forget-Me-Nots, New Milford, CT; and many more. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband, dedicating much of their time and resources to obtaining an accounting of the POW/MIA of the Vietnam War, including their son/stepson James Michael Ray. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Charles J. Ray, and her daughter Cathi. She is survived by her daughter, Janice Brown; grandson, Chris Brown; granddaughter, Shonda (Jonas) Burke; step-sons, Dennis (Denice) Ray, Charles (Lynn) Ray, and James Michael Ray, POW, Vietnam/Cambodia, captured March 18, 1968, still not accounted for; six grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and innumerable beloved friends. Her lively spirit and energy will be missed by each of us who knew and loved her. Her loving and giving heart led her to do things like make bibs for the residents of a retirement community to protect their clothes while they ate. She was creative and innovative, adjusting to the circumstances at hand, like a special shower chair and shower curtain of her own creation that helped her stay independent longer. Her love for Charlie was visible in her sacrificial care for him until his passing in 2011. Her heart was broken by the loss of her daughter, Cathi, from cancer. Her love for all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was visible and audible throughout her life. Special thanks to her beloved friend Marcia Sheppard, her “communion lady” Christa Hedmark, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Solid Rock Baptist Church, the entire staff at Arborview Apartments, Ocean Springs Health and Rehab, Biloxi Internal Medicine, Joan at Mississippi Social Services, Past and present members of every Veterans and POW/MIA organization, and the many friends who cared for her. Services will be held privately by the families. In lieu of flowers please donate in her name to the Veterans/POW/MIA organization of your choice. Cards may be sent to the family in care of P.O. Box 819, Monroe, WA 98272. The Howard Avenue Chapel of Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.