Jessie Mae Ray, age 99, of Plainview, TX passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, in Plainview, TX. A Visitation will be held Friday, April 4, 2025, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Bartley Memorial Chapel. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Happy Union Baptist Church, Plainview, TX, with Pastor Ed Jennings, Rev. Gregory Franklin, and Pastor Richard Miller officiating. Burial will follow at Plainview Memorial Park. Arrangements are under the supervision of Bartley Funeral Home of Plainview.

Jessie was born on February 22, 1926, in De Kalb TX, to Ad Shaw and Bertha William Shaw. She married Willie Leslie Ray in Plainview, TX.

Jessie cherished family reunions, birthdays, and any occasion where everyone could gather. She loved cooking and bringing people together around the table. Traveling to visit her family brought her immense joy, and she found fulfillment in her work with children during her 28 years at Wee Care daycare. Additionally, she worked as a cook at the Country Club and the Hilton Hotel in Plainview.

Shopping was one of her favorite hobbies. As a member of New Fellowship Baptist Church in Plainview, she maintained her faith in the Lord and looked forward to Bible study. Known as the oldest African American resident in Hale County, she truly valued family memories and outings. She will be deeply missed.

Jessie leaves to cherish her memories her children, Alice Ansley of Plainview, TX, JD Pruitt and wife Victoria of San Angelo, TX, Vera Oneal Sanson of Plainview, TX, Ronnie Ray of Plainview, TX, Willie  Fred Ray of Plainview, TX, Jimmy Ray and wife Latoya of Midland, TX, Jackie Ray and wife Rita of Arlington, TX, and Freddie Joe Ray Sr. of Midland, TX; grandson, Freddie Joe Ray Jr., who was raised as a son, of Lubbock, TX; and her brother, Ozell Shaw and wife Neno of Midland, TX; 33 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren, plus numerous nieces and nephews.

Jessie was preceded in death by her parents, Ad Shaw and Bertha Shaw; her husband, Willie Leslie Ray; her brother, Hosie Lee Shaw; and her three sisters, Callie Shaw, Lillie Pearl Williams, and Lousie Williams.