Betty Lou Cullins Ray

Betty Lou Cullins Ray, 83 of Jonesboro, went to be with her Lord and Savior on August 4, 2015. She was born in Jamestown, Arkansas, to Dorce and Dallas Cullins. Betty graduated from Harrisburg High School 1950; then received her Bachelor’s degree from Southern Baptist University and her Masters of Library Science from Arkansas State University. She was a librarian and public school teacher in the Nettleton School System 1971 to 1998. In addition to being a dedicated school teacher, she was a faithful and devoted pastor’s wife, a loving mother, grandmother and a great grandmother and worked tirelessly as a selfless Servant of God leading in women's and church ministries. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Mrs. Lavelle Stewart.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Reverend Harold Ray, of the home; daughter, Phyllis Tomlinson (Mark); of Jonesboro; sons, Colonel (Ret) Joel Ray USAF, NC and wife Karen of Raleigh, North Carolina; Tim Ray (Kathy) of Jonesboro; sister Virginia Reddmann (J.) of Cherry Valley; grandchildren, Allison Gragg, Lacey Hoggard, Megan Morrow, Neeley Ray; great grandchildren: Braxton and Bryce Gragg, Rae Morrow all of Jonesboro; special family members, Larry and Kathy Newberry, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Newberry, Mark Newberry, & grandchild Asher.

Funeral services will be 6:30 PM Thursday night, August 6, 2015 at Nettleton Baptist Church with Reverend Stan Ballard officiating and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Honorary pallbearers: Bob Mooneyham, J.E. Simpson, Bill Roddy, Albert Soo, Dale Miller, John Burris, Tom Stafford, Larry Newberry, Jeff Stevens, Mic Boling, Royce Leonard, Ron White, Matt Gragg, Trenton Hoggard, Tony Morrow, Stephen Newberry, Mark Newberry.

Visitation will be from 4:30 until service time at Nettleton Baptist Church on Thursday night. A committal service will be 10:00 AM, Friday, August 7, 2015 at Oaklawn Cemetery.

For lasting memorials, please consider Mission Dignity which supports Baptist Ministers and their widows, % Guidestone Financial Resources, Attn: Mission Dignity, 2401 Cedar Springs Road, Dallas, Texas 75201. Please include name of Betty Ray and an address for acknowledgment or find them on Facebook at Mission Dignity.