Frances Coliece (Lewis) Ray, of Mount Vernon, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born in Lufkin, Texas on January 15, 1939, to Elwood J. and Loma G. Lewis.

In her passing she is reunited with her late husband, Leon Ray, as well as her parents.

Survivors include her beloved children, Ricky Ray and wife, Maribeth, Malynda Vestal and husband, Curtis, and Joey Ray and wife, DeAnna; grandchildren, Justin Ray and wife, Lorah, Ashley Ivey and husband, Josh, Jennifer Rey and husband, Jorge, Stephen Ray and wife, Alisa, Forrest Patterson and wife, Shannon, Austin Patterson and wife, Alissa, Cody Ray, Riley Ray, Clayton Ray, Jayden and Brook Roberts; great grandchildren, Lily, Evelyn, Hayden, Annabelle, Jaylee, Julia, Sadie, Emma, Hannah, Eli, Natalya, Nadya, John, Michael, Peter, Taylor, Kylie, Saylor, PJ, Reign and Wren; brother, Gene and Mary Lewis; nieces and nephews, Jena June and Jason Johnson, Shelly and Jeff Linville, Makenzie and David , Austin and Walker Linville and, Charlotte and David Cobb III.

Raised in Baytown, Frances attended college at Stephen F. Austin and met her husband, Leon Ray while attending church. They were married for 41 years and raised three children. Frances and Leon raised their family in Baytown, Texas, she lived a life that was filled with Christian beliefs, volunteer work and commitment.

Frances was an active lady who was strongly dedicated to her faith. She was a lifelong member of the Memorial Baptist Church, where she was a member of the choir, she was a Sunday School Teacher, attended Bible Studies, and helped with the Kid’s Club.

She worked at Sterling High School, for a brief time, while her own children were in school.

She volunteered for The Methodist hospitals in Baytown for over 30 years, served as president a few years.

She was a Board Member for the Baytown Women’s Resource Center and served on the Steering Committee. Her love for gardening poured out into her being the Secretary for the Cedar Bayou Garden Club.

Frances was a woman with a big heart. A heart to truly help others, even if it meant that she put herself aside. Friendly and always willing to show God’s love. She loved her Savior Jesus Christ and showed God’s love towards His people by serving those people around her no matter the personal cost.

Frances will be honored with a Graveside Service on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery (8624 Garth Road, Baytown, Texas 77521.