Nelda Fay Ray

Nelda Fay Ray was born on October 9, 1928, in Georgetown, Texas. She lived 95 years with grace and purpose. Her parents, Ray “Frosty” Gibbs and Bernice Newman Gibbs, raised her in a lively home, where they picked cotton on the family farm at Gravel Hill. She was the fourth of six children — Freda Ray, Floyd, Gayle, Weltha, and Juanice “Poochie”— all of whom preceded her in death. Nelda shared her childhood with them, steeped in love, laughter, and the enduring bonds of family.

She graduated from Florence Schools in 1946 and after attending secretarial school, she waitressed at a popular local café. That café changed everything. It was there she met Gene Sterling Ray, the man she would marry on November 20, 1949. They built a life together on their farm, raising sheep, goats, commercial cattle, and ultimately breeding Champion registered Brangus cattle. They shared nearly 60 years of love as “Cowman” and “Sidekick” until Gene’s passing in 2008.

Nelda was the heart of her family, a true matriarch. She and Gene had two children: Dr. Gene W. "Woody" Ray (Peggy) and Georganne Ray Myers, who passed in 2000. Her family grew to include four grandchildren Dr.Rachel Renee’ Myers MD (Cody), Britne Geri Myers (Scott), Hayden Ray Davidson (Tiffany), and Kelsey Dawn Jackson (Derek), and six great-grandchildren - Sterling, Georganna Faye, Aria, Derek, Kinsley and Maisie Fay. Each child, grandchild, and great grandchild was cherished beyond measure. To them, she was "MooMaw," always there with open arms, an ear for listening, and a heartfelt ”I love you more.”

The simple things in life brought her joy. Fresh rain on the grass, the sight of wildflowers in spring, the sound of family laughter at her table. Nelda never missed a chance to offer comfort, love, or wisdom. A constant presence, she was a mother figure to more than just her children.

Her kitchen was her kingdom. The homemade grape jelly, ranger cookies and sweet iced tea are now family legends. She taught her family not just how to cook, but how to love through food and time spent together. Even in the small moments, she made everyone feel welcome and important.

Her faith was strong and unwavering. She trusted in Jesus with every step, and her family felt that guidance in their lives. “I don’t ask Jesus why, I just feel it’s better to laugh than cry," she had said, choosing joy and resilience no matter the challenge. In her later years, when asked how she kept going, she simply said, “I’m going to do as much as I can for as long as I can.”

Nelda’s presence will be deeply missed by her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and countless others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and the simple joys she found in everyday life. Those of us left behind will carry her lessons with us: love the Lord, love one another deeply, always be kind, cherish the little things, and never let a guest leave without a full heart and a glass of sweet tea.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to IJBBA Legacy Foundation Georganne Ray Myers P.O. Box 700603 San Antonio, Texas 78270.