Mrs. Johnnie Mae (Watts) Ray

Sis. Johnnie Mae Watts Ray was born February 19, 1929 in Greenvine, Texas to her loving parents, Simon and Minnie Watts. She was the second oldest of eight children. Her parents instilled in her at a young age to put God first in her life; and also their strong family values. As a child she attended Waller Chapel A.M.E. Church and later St. John A.M.E Church in Brenham, Texas. She married Woodrow Ray in 1948 and to this union seven children were born. She moved to Houston, Texas in 1959 and joined Wolridge Chapel A.M.E. Church. This was where she asked the Lord into her heart, confessing that she needed Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Sis. Johnnie Mae Ray worked for Spring Branch Independent School District for 25 years as a custodian. She was the smiling face that the students looked for each day. She often greeted them with a hug or correction if that’s what was needed! She was a joyful woman who was a positive influence in the lives of children and young people by showing them the joy and love of Jesus from deep inside her heart.

She strived to be an example of a victorious woman who yielded every area of her life to God. She spent her life serving both her church and her community. For over 40 years, she served as a Steward and Stewardess at Wolridge Chapel. Over the years, she has worked both inside and outside her church home. No jobs were outside of her ability or desire; she cleaned pews, mowed grass, planted trees, tended flowers and power washed buildings. Monthly she called 65 seniors in her community to remind them of their Senior Commodity distribution pick up day. She truly lived by the scripture found in Colossians 3:23 which reads “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the LORD and not to men”.

Always willing to give an encouraging word or to speak words of wisdom and correction, Sister Johnnie Mae Ray led her family, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren down God’s path inspiring them to grow in Christ. She reminded them of their duties to Christ and His church and promoted tithing as their responsibility.

Sis. Johnnie Mae Ray was a highly respected and greatly loved and anointed servant of God. At all times, she gave God all the praises for His goodness to her throughout her lifetime. Her warm heart and giving spirit were immeasurable and truly treasured by her church and community.

In 2018, Sister Johnnie Mae Ray was consecrated as a Deaconess in the African Methodist Episcopal Church under the Episcopal leadership of Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie.

Sis. Johnnie Mae Ray was preceded in death by her parents Simon and Minnie Watts, her loving husband Woodrow Ray, one son Wilford, six siblings, two grandsons Brandon and Johnathan and one great granddaughter Olivia.

She leaves behind a legacy that will be celebrated and cherished by her children: Vernon, Allen Ray (Carolyn), JoAnn Figures(Julius), Willie Hollie (John), Vera Glover (John) , and Jacqueline Roberson(Joseph); sister Matilda Foster, brother Raymond Perry and sister in law, Nita Bell Moore; step-mother; Dorothy Carraway, nine grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews other relatives and countless friends including her caregivers, Deturice Dunbar and Jacqueline Ebrhart.