Nancy Didier Ray

Nancy was born on October 28, 1934, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, as a second-generation immigrant to Peter John and Florentine Dubois Didier. Her paternal grandparents, Pierre John and Marie Rouquett Didier, immigrated from La Grand-Combe, Gard, France, to New York City in 1887. Her mother, Florentine Dubois, immigrated from Charleroi, Belgium, at the age of 15.

Nancy was a lifelong resident of Fort Smith, growing up on Didier’s Stretch, south of town. Her father and older brothers were coal miners, and she proudly proclaimed, “I’m proud to be a coal miner’s daughter.”

Later, her parents operated several businesses in the food and entertainment industry. Most notably, they ran an open-air dance pavilion on Didier’s Stretch during the Depression. In the late 1940s and 1950s, they opened Didier’s Place in downtown Fort Smith, just off Garrison Avenue.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four older brothers—Pete, Raymond, Henry, and Denver—and two sisters, twins Emma Ulmer and Florentine Vozel. She was also preceded in death by nephews Jimmy Didier, Johnny Vozel, Jerry Ulmer, niece Linda Didier Lovvorn, all of Fort Smith, and most recently, her grandson Christopher Bartony “Beau” Lyons of Tulsa.

Nancy attended Immaculate Conception School and Saint Anne’s Academy. She met and married her loving and devout husband, Leo Edward Ray, on September 1, 1950. Over the next nine years, they joyfully welcomed their six children: Carol Ann, Andrea Lee, Gina Denise, Sonya Marie, Leo Edward “Eddie” Ray, II., and Michelle Renee.

Nancy devoted her life to her family—her children, their spouses, her 20 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. These generations brought countless joyful celebrations and gatherings that unfolded into a richly blessed life. She and Leo also cherished their time fishing on local lakes and enjoying the sport of breeding and racing quarter horses.

Nancy found fulfillment in working with the public through various roles in furniture retail, ladies’ apparel, and later, alongside family at Didier’s Garden Center and Sharum’s.

Even as her health declined over the past year, she remained actively engaged in the lives of her family from the comfort of her home—thanks to the devoted care of her children and, above all, her beloved friend and caretaker, Martie Sutherland.

Her deep and abiding faith remained a cornerstone of her life. She participated in many Bible studies at First Baptist Church.

She is survived by five daughters, and one son. The daughters are; Carol Brickey and husband James of Fort Smith, Andrea Lyons and husband Chris of Tulsa, Gina Rogers and husband Ronnie of Norman, Sonya Mendelsohn and husband Larry of Little Rock, Michelle Spears and husband Mark of Tulsa. One son, Leo Edward Ray, II. and wife Pam of Fort Smith.

Pallbearers: Roderick Ray, Benjamin Blaschke, Collier Lyons, Parker Ray, Max Mendelsohn, and Jack Wiltshire.

Honorary pallbearers: Christopher B. Lyons, Ronnie W. Rogers, Dr. Larry A. Mendelsohn, and Mark A. Spears.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 5:00-7:00pm at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 N 12th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901. Funeral Service to honor Nancy's life will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025 at 11:00am at Edwards Funeral Home. Following the service, Nancy will be laid to rest in Steep Hill Cemetery. Services under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Online Condolences may be sent to Edwardsfuneralhome.com

II Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.