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In memory of

Deborah E Bray

El Dorado, AR, USA

June 4, 1931 - November 28, 2018

Jun 4, 1931 - Nov 28, 2018

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Deborah Elizabeth Bray, 87, of El Dorado AR, passed away on November 28, 2018. She had spent the previous days and Thanksgiving, with 7 of her grandchildren and 6 of her great grandchildren.

She was born on June 04, 1931 in Jackson MS to former slaves Izzy Brown and Charles Brown. She was preceded in death by her two older siblings, William Brown and Loretta Glover.

The family moved to Topeka when she was 6 years old. She attended Highland Park High School and Washburn University where she was a member of Alpha Phi Fraternity. It was here that she made life-long friends. These friends formed a bond that would lasted decades.

About this time, she joined Topeka First United Methodist Church. She wanted to sing in their choir. Admission required auditions, but she was not deterred and sang in the choir for over 40 years. In later years, she continued to enjoy the choirs gifts from the congregation.

After two years of college she went to work for the Santa Fe Railroad. This is where she met Eslis Bray. She tried to sell him tickets to the Alpha Phi Sweetheart Dance. He replied that he would buy two if she would go with him. They were married November 3rd of that same year. They created a warm and welcoming home for their family and friends. They enjoyed entertaining and traveled the world for many years. They were blessedly married for 63 years.

Deborah shared her passion for fishing and cooking beyond her love of family and friends, teaching her children and grandchildren to be strong and reliable citizens . There was always time for a church and family gatherings.

She was such an accomplished cook and enjoyed sharing recipes and even had some published. She shared this passion with her children and they have carried it on to their families.

She gave back to the community with decades of support to the Boys & Girls Club through fundraising and volunteer work and she also drove for her church on Sundays, bible school, and as needed.

In Deborah's later years she relocated to El Dorado AR, to be closer to her ever growing family, once her husband passed away, on September 23, 2003.

Deborah is survived by daughter, Ruth Davis and sons William Bray, and Dewayne Bray; as well as eleven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Sunday , December 09, 2018 at El Dorado First United Methodist Church, 1600 rd SW Clinton Blvd. A private internment will be held at Sims Mortuary, Inc. 432 W Liberty St El Dorado AR. following the procession.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ministry of Music at El Dorado First United Methodist Church.

Sims Mortuary, Inc. of El Dorado AR. is handling arrangements.

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