Thelma Reynolds Bray

Born April 16, 1927 in Sanford, Florida, Thelma grew up in a family of meager means. Her stepfather was a fisherman, which help her be able to brag later in life that “Even though we were dirt poor, I knew what fresh seafood tasted like.” And she did! Her review of seafood at a restaurant was never wrong.

Thelma lived across the street from Naval Air Station Sanford where she would meet a Sailor from Columbus, Georgia. On June 6, 1947, John Henry Bray Jr. and Thelma Reynolds were married. They would move back to Columbus, settle down, and start their family.

Thelma is preceded in death by her husband, John Henry Bray Jr, her mother, Willie Florence Stevens, stepfather, Mell Thomas Stevens, and son-in-law, William Ander “Andy” Webb.

Survivors include her daughter, Charlotte Bray Webb of Columbus, GA; her son, Melvin Bray (Rowena) of Vidalia, GA; four grandchildren: Monica Holcomb (Jed) of Hamilton, GA, Susan Lovell (Jason) of Midland, GA, Ritch Bray (Jennifer) of Jefferson, GA, and Tabitha Aaron (Justin) of Vidalia, GA; and nine great grandchildren: Madison Bray, Conner Bray, Samantha Bray, Chyenne Aaron, Anna Lovell, Abby Lovell, Andrew Lovell, Anderlyn Holcomb, and Liza Kate Holcomb.

A funeral service to celebrate Thelma’s life will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 2:00 PM in Parkhill Cemetery at Chapel of Pines Mausoleum with Pastor Haynes Martin officiating. Family will visit with friends before the service beginning at 1:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.shcolumbus.com for the Bray family.