Martha Dowis Bray

Martha “Beth” Dowis Bray, 96, passed away following a lengthy illness on December 16, 2018 at Patriots Colony in Williamsburg. Born in Hamlet, NC on January 30, 1922 to the late William Shafer and Patricia Dowis, Beth was a Virginia resident since 1963 when she and her late husband, LTC (Retired) Edward Bray, came to Fort Monroe. Her “Eddie” passed away in 1987. She also was preceded in death by her only grandchild, Dale Lively Challoner, her sisters Agnes McElrath and Frances Smith, and her brothers W.S. “Jack” Dowis and Richard Dowis. She is survived by her two daughters, Patricia “Trish” Bray Lively and her long-time companion John Graham of Poquoson, and Maurine “Renee” Bray Goode and her husband Les of Williamsburg. She has one surviving sister, Sara Prince of Spartanburg, SC, a sister-in-law, Ouida Dowis of Ballground, GA, her godson, Doug Smith of Apopka, FL, and numerous nieces and nephews. Beth was a devoted Army wife who resided in several states and in Germany. She is remembered for her love of the beach, travel, fashion and decorating. She enjoyed swimming, playing golf and bridge, and was an elegant hostess. Beth and Ed were instrumental in establishing Patriots Colony at Williamsburg, an independent and assisted living facility for military retirees, where she resided since 1997. Unfortunately, Ed died before construction began at Patriots Colony. A long-time, active member of the Chapel of the Centurion at Fort Monroe, Beth more recently was a member of Jamestown Presbyterian Church in Williamsburg, participating in worship and the adult Sunday school program. Trish and Renee wish to thank all of the staff of the long-term care unit at Patriots Colony for their many years of devotion, compassion and day-to-day care of Mom. They always will hold a special place in our hearts. In memory of her beloved granddaughter, Dale, Beth requested that memorial contributions be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 4550 Montgomery Ave. Suite 1100N, Bethesda, MD 20814 or online. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 20 at Nelsen Funeral Home, 3785 Strawberry Plains Rd., Williamsburg, where a service will be held on Friday, December 21 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.