Jo Rea Rayborn Williams

Jo Rea Rayborn Williams, aged 83, of Ramsey Springs, MS, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, after a mercifully short battle with cancer. Born on December 14, 1940, in Marion County, MS, Jo Rea was the beloved daughter of Ellis Rayborn and Mary Alberta "Bertie" Singley.

Jo Rea was preceded in death by her husband of over 50 years, Stanford A. Williams, Jr.; her brothers, Joseph Elijah Rayborn (wife, Lucille) and George Lewis Rayborn (wife, Sharon); and her sister, ‘Nita Cook (husband, Lawrence). She is survived by her loving daughter, Nancy Williams Galloway (husband, Charles); and her sister, Mary Lee (husband, Larry).

A talented multi-media artist, Jo Rea worked with watercolors, pencils, clay, and found objects from nature, such as dried wildflowers. Her artistic passion was matched by her love for nature, antique hats, vintage jewelry, and the joy of meeting new people. Above all, she cherished her family.

In her younger years, Jo Rea held various jobs, including telephone operator, department store manager, quality control at Ferson Optics in Ocean Springs, and office manager and bookkeeper for a doctor's office. Later in life, she became a devoted stay-at-home caregiver to her mother, embodying compassion and dedication.

Jo Rea’s life was a canvas painted with love, creativity, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jo Rea’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse (www.samaritanspurse.org).

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jo Rea Rayborn Williams.