Jo Ann Ray's Obituary
Jo Ann Ray, 78, of Miami, OK, passed away March 6th, 2025, at Integris Miami Hospital, while surrounded by her loving family.
She was born in Waco, Texas on March the 4th, 1947 to Robert Sawyer and Virginia Lee (Barnett) Sawyer.
Jo Ann graduated from the Duncan, OK Public Schools. She attended Beauty College in the early 1990's and received her certification to do nails.
On November the 1st, 1974, she married the love of her life, Thomas N. Ray, Sr., in a ceremony at the Jim Thomas & Son Funeral Home in Commerce, OK. They made their home in Commerce where they raised their children.
Jo Ann worked as a department manager at Wal-Mart in Miami for 15 years. She owned and operated the Hair & Nail Studio in Miami for 8 years. After retirement, Tommy and JoAnn moved to Cassville, MO. They attended the Mission Baptist Church and accumulated a multitude of friends.
Most recently, they moved back to Miami to be near their children and grandchildren. They began attending Commerce First Assembly of God where the endless friendships continued.
Jo Ann was an avid quilter. She loved to play Farkle and started her own Farkle club in Miami. She would also return to Cassville often to play with her friends there. One thing was for sure, you could always count on her winning...or else!
She is preceded in death by her parents; and two siblings, Bobby Sawyer and Peggy Wilson.
She is survived by her husband, Tommy Ray, of the home; five children, Cindy Alcorn (Jeff) of Commerce, Shelley Pruitt of Miami, Tommy Ray, Jr. (Robyn) of Queensland, Australia, Mandy Seacat (Mikah) of Joplin, MO, and Randy Ray (Tommie) of Grove, OK; 13 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; numerous cousins; and two precious church families.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Commerce, and also in Cassville, MO.
Arrangements entrusted to Thomas & Chenoweth Funeral Home, Welch.
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