The angels were surely rejoicing on Wednesday evening as our precious Ray, surrounded by her family, passed from our arms into the arms of Jesus.
Combined Committal Service for Sam Ed and Ray Nell: 11AM Tuesday, June 11th at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Grand Prairie.
Ray was born on April 23, 1946 in Marlin, TX to Hershel Ray (Buddy) Collinsworth and Guy Nell Shehorn Collinsworth. She would be the oldest of four children born to this union. Ray’s family moved frequently throughout Texas, following her Dad’s assignments with Brown and Root Const. Co. The family settled in Mart during the early 60s, as the older children were entering high school. It was in Mart that Ray met and married the absolute love of her life, Sam. They were married on March 6, 1966 at the First United Methodist Church in Mart, where they remained active members until Sam’s health prevented physical participation. Many people claim to marry their soul mate, but with Ray and Sam, it was the absolute truth. They were a living testimony to the love God intended between a man and a woman. The home they created, together, was one in which God came first.
Ray was a person of many talents, and the energy to pursue each and every one. In the natural, Ray was the quintessential homemaker. Whether cleaning, organizing, cooking, baking, sewing, mowing the grass or tending the flower beds, your could be sure everything was taken care of. She did not let a useful minute get by her. Foremost, though, Ray was a caretaker in the truest sense of the word. Though her family’s needs always took top priority, she was quick to lend a helping hand to others. In retirement, her caretaking skills were spread to extended family and friends. If you needed her, she was there. She was like our own little whirlwind of miracles–whether it was a bowl of soup, ironing clothes, mopping a floor, or running an errand–no need went unmet if she could assist.
Essentially, Ray’s passion was children. Oh, how she did love and appreciate all children. For many years she cared for children in her home, and there are some adults in the world, now, named: Debbie, Cathy, Bobby, Jay, Bryan, Jenny, John, Katie, and Jacey who could attest to her unconditional love and respect. As the children started school, Ray went to work for Mart ISD in the Pre-K department, primarily. This twenty-year career was never a job to her, it was an opportunity to teach and touch young souls.
Ray had a profound effect on anyone she knew very well. Though she was small, she was mighty! Don’t think for one moment that little sweet Cracker-Jack couldn’t put you in your place if you were getting off the “straight and narrow.” She wouldn’t hesitate to get in your face and tell you, in no uncertain terms, where you were going wrong. Following the reprimand, she would seal it with love and a few appropriate Bible verses. Somehow, she had the talent to scold, love, and offer hope at the same time.
Ray was such a blessing to our lives, and she will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind. She is survived by her husband and partner of 53 years, Sam; her children and grandchildren; Adron and Amy Lewis (Meagan and Jacob), Brad and LaDonna Lewis (Madyson and Emma); god-daughter; Jenny and Eric Sanders (Taylor); sister; Sue Kimball, brother; Enoch Collinsworth (Ranell); sister-n-law; Lynn Sawyers (Ronnie), aunt; Janie Collinsworth Blann, uncle; W.H. Shehorn (Anne). She is also survived by her beloved nieces and nephews; Waymon Kruger, Jr., Mike Kruger, Donna Lucia, Kaleb Kruger, Mikalyn Modesitt, Becky Rice, Andrea Crueton, Jessica Barnhart, Hannah Morton, Jay Sawyers, and Bryan Sawyers. No less important to Ray were the 26 great nieces and nephews which survive her. She loved each of them, and prayed for them, daily.
Though we are heartbroken, Ray is in Glory with these relatives who have preceded her in death: her parents, granddaughter; Micaela, sister and brother-in-law; Gayle and Waymon Kruger, brother-in-law; Joe Kimball, nephew; Jonathan Kimball, and great nephews; Connor Kruger and Canon Crueton.
Those of us who were fortunate enough to be a part of Ray’s life know, first hand, that one person really can make a positive difference in the world. She was living proof of God’s mercy and grace, in human form.
A celebration service honoring Ray’s life will be scheduled for a later date. The family appreciates your prayers during this time of adjustment.
If desired, memorials may be made in Ray’s name to: First United Methodist Church/ Nursery, and or Kitchen Outreach; Mart ISD Enrichment Foundation; or a charity of your choice.
Print Obituary & Condolences
Dear Sam Ed & family, I am so very sorry for the loss of your sweet Ray. Ray Nell was one of the sweetest, kindest ladies I have known. My thoughts & prayers are with you as you face the days & months ahead. May her precious memory linger forever.
Dear family, Kathleen and I are are very sorry for your loss. Your entire family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are sent to your family 🙁
Dear Sam,
I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Ray, but we all know she is being loved on by our sweet Jesus. God bless you Sam.
Love always,
Edwina & Elton
Dear Sam Ed, Sue and family-
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Ray was truly an exceptional lady. I’m honored to have been able to have worked with her at Mart ISD .
Words just isn’t enough how sorry I am at the loss of Ray Nell. I’m sending a hug for you, Sam Ed and the rest of the family. Memories of our friendship will last forever
Dear Sam and Family,
Shirley and I were shocked to read about Ray Nell. Of course we all never know when it will be our turn but it still is a surprise. We always enjoyed seeing both of you at the Shehorn Reunions and catching up-to-date on Families. Shirley and I know it is hard for you and your Family but want you to know that our Prayers are with each of you in the coming days. Ray Nell’s influence will live on for many, many years.
Dear Sam Ed and all your lovely family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Ray Nell. She was a lovely and kind-hearted friend to every one she met. I know she will be sorely missed. God be with you and yours in the days ahead. My thoughts ad prayers are with you always.
My sweet PreK teacher. She was always so sweet and wanted an update on my life when I saw her. Heaven sure gained an angel.
To the Lewis family I’m sorry y’all lost a sweet lady . She taught my boys in school and she never forget a face cause she would see me in the store and when u spoke she had a hug for you. Y’all have my condolences sending prayers and strength doing the time of your loved one
To her family,
I am truly sorry for your loss. I knew her from Mart High School and my memory of her was that of a very special and sweet girl. I talked to her some during our lives at Mart Schools as our three boys graduated from there as I did. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. God be with you all.
Dear Sam and family, I am so sorry for your loss and our prayers are with you. Ray Nell will surely be missed by all. I always enjoyed being with her at our “girls” (class of 64) luncheons.
Sam, Adron, and Brad, I am SO sorry for your loss!!! Lots and lots and lots of fond memories… My family and I are keeping your family in our prayers!
Todd
We r so very sorry for your loss. Tray was one of my best friends. Sshe called me almost every day after my accident of falling off my bike. She and I were great friends and I will miss her terribly. She will b missed by everyone. Love, sue and jimmy ddavis
Sam and family, I was so sad to hear about Ray. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. She truly was a special person and a beautiful soul.
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss of your beloved. May you draw comfort from our Heavenly Father who comforts us during our sorrows with the promise of doing away with sickness and death forever .(Isaiah 25:8; 33:24; Revelation 21:4,5)