Mary Jane Wray, 76, was born in Champaign, IL on October 21, 1948. She passed peacefully on March 17, 2025, after fighting many health issues for several years. She was a resident at Brookdale Senior Living facility in Bossier City, LA. She was a member of the First Christian Church in Cowden, IL.
Mary was a loving military wife, mother, and friend. She opened her home to many Airmen, hosting holidays and parties to those that couldn’t go home to their families. She became known as their second mom. She never served directly but she was always an extension of the US Air Force family. Her service transitioned to being a homeroom mom and dedicated “band mom” as her boys became active in high school. She worked endless hours serving and organizing the concession stand for the Vilonia High School Band in Vilonia, AR.
Mary was a loving soul to all. She enjoyed a good shopping trip and visiting with friends over a cold Pepsi and a good meal. She also loved every chance to go fishing on Lake Conway with her family. And her sugar cookies were a masterpiece!
She was preceded in death by her husband, best friend and fishing partner, USAF MSgt. William “Bill” Wray; her parents, John W. Severns and Mary C. Davis.
She is survived by her three children. Patrick (Jennifer) Wray of Harrisburg, AR; Donald (Janet) Wray of Benton, LA; and Geoff (Heidi) Wray of Mayflower, AR.
One of Mary’s most treasured moments was becoming a grandmother. She is survived by Nicole (Zane) Leonard of Harrisburg, AR; Jacob (Darby) Wray of Fayetteville, AR; William (Ali) Wray of Bellevue, NE; Weston Wray of Mountain Home, ID; Caden and Logan Wray of Harrisburg, AR; Isabella, Bailey, Sean, and Dakota Graaf of Mayflower, AR. Great grandchildren are Conner Leonard, Keagan Leonard and William Ryker Wray.
Her favorite question to ask her grandchildren was “You know how much I love you, right?” She loved them fiercely and hoped each of them knew it!
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and residents of Brookdale Bossier for the care, compassion, and friendship shown to Mary the past 5 years. In addition, a special thanks to Carsin Ritzell with Hand in Hand Hospice Care for being the caring arm in her last hours.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to any local animal shelter to honor Mary’s love for animals and the outdoors.
