Joyce Stringer Ray

Joyce Ann Stringer Ray, 74, of Miles was called home suddenly to be with the Lord on November 6, 2018. After bravely winning two battles with cancer, she came into contact with West Nile Virus while visiting Houston for routine medical care. Joyce was a beloved wife and mother of two children, and she will be forever remembered and cherished by her family and friends. Joyce is survived by husband Larry Ray of Miles; son Jeff Ray of Miles; daughter Christi Hess and husband Tanner and their two children, Amanda and Jacob Hess, of McLean, Texas; and sister Dorothy Roberts and husband Whitey, and brother Ronnie Stringer and wife Sue, all of Miles. She will be lovingly remembered by her niece Pam Howell and husband Mike of San Antonio, and their daughter Katherine; nephew Randy Roberts and wife Lynda of Amarillo; and niece Richanda Brunet and husband Brandon of Lubbock. The daughter of Georgia Lee and Henry Stringer, Joyce was born on September 17, 1944, near Miles. She graduated from Miles High School in 1963 and married Larry Ray, of Miles, on November 25, 1965. When her husband joined the Navy in 1966, they moved to Pensacola, Florida, and later to Puerto Rico for 3 years, where their children were born. Returning to Miles, the couple spent happy years raising their family together. Joyce worked as a secretary for several years before becoming employed by West Texas Utilities. She moved to the WTU local office in Miles and retired in 2003 after 22 years of service. Joyce was a member of the Miles United Methodist Church, serving as financial secretary and administrator of the memorial fund. She was also a member of UMW and a volunteer for children’s story time at the Miles Library. Many describe her as one of the nicest and dearest people they knew. Joyce was a talented seamstress and cook. Her favorite activities were taking care of her family, traveling with her husband, and spoiling her two grandchildren. A celebration of her life will be held at 10 a.m. today at the Miles United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Miles Cemetery.