Doris Jane Steinmetz Bray

The Reverend Canon Doris Jane Steinmetz Bray, a trailblazing Episcopal priest and devoted servant of her community, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025. Born in 1929 to Walter and Laura (Person) Steinmetz, Doris grew up in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, as the eldest of five siblings: Robert Steinmetz (deceased 2024), Diane Gerlach, Peggy Shaffer (Roger), and Terry Steinmetz (deceased 2001). She graduated from Palmerton High School. Doris married Marvin Bray (deceased 2003) of Palmerton in 1952, and together they raised four children: Thomas Andrew Bray, Laura Bray Harting (Donald), Mary Ellen Bray (deceased 1960), and Catherine Elizabeth Bray Donohue (Steve). She was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren—James Bray, Daniel Speorl (Jennifer), Nathanael Harting, Luke Donohue (Jessica), Patrick Donohue (Paige), Marielle Todd (James), and Eliza Elgin (Matthew)—and cherished her five great-grandchildren: Noah, Lily, Jacob, Athena, and Owen. She was a beloved Aunt and Great Aunt to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

In 1974, Doris attended Moravian Seminary, where she prepared for a life of ministry and service. In 1979, Doris was ordained as an Episcopal priest, among the first women to achieve this milestone in The Diocese of Bethlehem. She served faithfully in the diocese for nearly 40 years, ministering as a nonstipendiary assistant to the rector with The Episcopal Ministry of Unity, which included St. John’s in Palmerton, All Saints in Lehighton and St. John’s in Jim Thorpe, as well as a supply priest to many parishes in the surrounding area. She served on many diocesan committees and served as an associate chaplain at Palmerton, Lehighton and St. Luke’s Hospitals. She was a member for the Society of Companions for the Holy Cross. In 1996, she was named Canon pastor in the Diocese of Bethlehem in recognition of her dedication and leadership. For many years she wrote the Inspirational Message of the Week, a pastor’s column that appeared each Saturday on the religion page of the Lehighton Times News. Late in her life, after moving to Downingtown, PA, she joined St. James Episcopal Church and was a beloved member of the church family.

Beyond her ministry, Doris was deeply involved in her community. She served on numerous boards and committees, including CACPAC, Women in Crisis of Carbon County, Carbon County Housing Authority, The Area Agency of Aging, Meals on Wheels and the Palmerton Area Historical Society. In 2001, she was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce. Her belief in following the teachings of Jesus Christ through humble service inspired countless lives. Doris will be remembered for her kind spirit, powerful sermons, and unwavering energy for helping others. A memorial service will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church 365 Lafayette Avenue Palmerton, PA 18071 on February 15, 2025 at 11AM. The family will be available to greet people from 9:30 to 10:45 AM. A luncheon at the church will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Palmerton, PA or your local Episcopal Church. May her memory continue to inspire all who knew her.