Mary Wray

Mary (Wilson) Wray went to her heavenly home on Monday, July 22, 2024. She was born in Scott, AR, on September 10th, 1929.

Mary was preceded by her parents, Samuel Virgil Buzbee Wilson and wife, Mary Belle (Edwards) Wilson; six brothers, Doyle, Samuel Enoch, Charles, Foy, Euless, and Dean; and the love of her life, Johnny Wray. 

 She is survived by her daughters, Debra Wray and Diane Jaco, and her son, Jay Wilson Wray (Deborah), all of Benton; grandchildren: Tara Raley (Brandyn) of Florida, Haley Mansfield (Chandler), Hunter Wray, and Harper Discenza (Brayden), all of Benton; great-grandchildren: Lacy Rae Mansfield, Levi Tate Mansfield, Gemma Faith, Josie Grace, and Reece William Raley; and many nephews, nieces, and friends.

 Mary graduated from Little Rock High School in 1947. She won several letters and medals in sports. She played the clarinet in the band and took extension courses at Henderson State College. As a member of Benton First Church of the Nazarene since 1950, Mary served as the choir director for 27 years, board member, board secretary, Sunday school secretary, church treasurer, Missionary President, greeter, education committee chairman, played clarinet in the church orchestra, and sang in choir. She loved her family and her church family. She had many hobbies, including camping, fishing, trail-riding, bean-bag baseball, volunteering at Benton Care Center, and playing volleyball at the adult center. Mary and Johnny were voted South Arkansas District Couple-of-the-year for Nazarene churches.

 Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 PM, Thursday, July 25 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Funeral service, officiated by Rev. Brady Lane, will be held at 3:00 PM, Friday, July 26 at Benton First Church of the Nazarene, 1203 West Sevier, Benton, Arkansas. Burial to follow at Old Rosemont Cemetery. 

 Serving as pallbearers are Charlie Wilson, David Wilson, Hank Wray, Nathan Molsbee, Steve Wilson, and David Wilson Jr.  Honorary Pallbearers include Gerald Wray, R.D. Wilson, Ronnie Joe Spann, Wayne Billings, and John Canfield.

 Memorials may be made to the Benton Nazarene Church Building Fund. 1203 West Sevier, Benton, AR 72015.

 Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.