Barbara Howell Bray

Barbara Howell Bray died July 2, 2012 at Wisteria Nursing Center, 3202 South Willis St., Abilene, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2012 in the Chapel at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1741 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, Texas. Officiating will be Steve Brooks, pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist. Local arrangements are being made by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. Mrs. Bray was born in Independence, Kansas on February 12, 1918. Her parents, Nettie L. and Claude F. Howell, moved their family to Texas in 1924. She graduated from Albany High School in 1934. In 1939, she married Bruce W. Bray, who preceded her in death on November 9, 1993. During their many years in Albany, she was involved in community activities in several directions. Her employment included the offices of the school superintendent, county judge, legal secretary, bookkeeper for an automobile agency and First National Bank for the last twenty years. Serving on the Robert Nail Scholarship Board from its inception, she also gave support to the Old Jail Museum as a docent and in other capacities, the Chamber of Commerce, and Fandangle. Service at First United Methodist Church for over fifty years included participation in many areas, including the Wesleyan Service Guild where she held various offices, District Trustee/Treasurer and choir. She was selected as First Lady of Albany in 1978. Upon retirement in 1982, the Brays traveled extensively, both in their motor home and abroad. In 1977, Mr. and Mrs. Bray donated their bodies to Texas Tech Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. A tombstone placed on the Bray lot in the Albany Cemetery after Mr. Bray's death records this donation with reference to Romans 5:2: "...we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God." R.S.V. Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. James A. (Mickey) Cassle and Mrs. Eliot B. (Claudia) Charles, her brother-in-law, John Bray of Albany, along with several nephews and one niece. Preceding her in death was her sister, Mrs. J. O. (Betty) Mitchell. The family wished to thank all the many friends and associates who made her life full and brought her such satisfaction and joy. We also want to express our appreciation to all those caring individuals at Wisteria and Hendrick Hospice who provided comfort in her last days. A suggestion is made that any memorials be sent to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 2229, Albany, TX 76430 or Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1741 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, TX 79605.