of Conway, AR
April 10, 2025
Brenda Diane Bray of Conway, Arkansas passed away peacefully in her home on April 10, 2025, surrounded by her children, grandchildren and siblings. Upon her wishes, she will be honored by her immediate family in a private graveside ceremony at Crestlawn Cemetery on April 12, 2025. Pastor Tommy Wallace of Family Life Bible Church will officiate the service.
She leaves behind a son, Greggory Paul Bray (wife Marilyn) and daughter, Lori Diane Bane (husband Rick), Grandchildren: Kalen Cox (husband Derek and sons Addison Stewart and Charlie Cox), Robert Taylor Jr. (wife TJ and daughters Emma and Ellie), Gabriel Bray (wife Kaleigh and son Garrison), Grace Bray, Jude Bray, Joy Bray, Amanda Bray (daughter Ava Cloud and son Aspen Bray) and daughter-in-law Lena Bray (married to Jeffery). Brenda is survived by brother Rick Wilkins (wife Judy), Jennie Wilkins, Debbie Cossey (husband Ray), Larry Wilkins, Judy Wilkins, Tommy Wilkins (wife Pam), George Wilkins (wife Sherry), Steve Wilkins, Becky Lacey (husband Russell), David Wilkins, and Kevin Wilkins (wife Kim).
She was preceded in death by her son Jeffery Dale Bray, ex-husband Joe Bray, parents
Bertha and George Stanley, brothers Fred Wilkins (wife Pam), and Gary Wilkins (wife Jennette).
Brenda was a graduate of Carlisle High School and from the University of Central Arkansas with a masters degree in education. She was a retired elementary teacher for Conway Public Schools for forty years, at both Ida Burns and Julia Lee Moore. She was a devoted mother and Grammie who loved cooking for her family and celebrating holidays together. She was an excellent seamstress for friends, family, and quilting with her Quilts of Valor group, honoring veterans for their service. She had a green thumb and enjoyed gardening and watching the birds in her yard. She was a faithful member of Family Life Bible Church, where she loved her friends and congregation members. Her smile, passion and joy of life, family, and faith was shared with all who knew her.
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26 Condolence(s)
Jennifer Rowe
Friday, April 18, 2025
Greg and Lori and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Ms. Brenda was the kindest lady one could ever meet. I never saw her without a smile on her face. Prayers go out to you all.
Robin (Parish) Porter
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Greg, Lori and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your mother was one of the kindest and finest women I’ve ever known. I remember her well from our Pleasant Grove Church days and as a teacher. She will truly be missed.
Tonya Mitchell Moix
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Greg,
I am praying for you and your family during this time.
Kevin and Tonya Mitchell Moix
Elizabeth Parker
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Ms. Bray was my kindergarten teacher at Julia Lee Moore and I remember she was so kind and loving.. my condolences to her family.
Karen Joy Flowers
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
May Brenda rest in peace. To Gregg and Lori my thoughts and prayers for comfort are with you. Brenda was always kind and gracious to me which I appreciate. She loved her family a great deal. May God Bless you.
Mandy Bradford
Monday, April 14, 2025
Miss Brenda was often my right-hand seatmate at sew days for Quilts of Valor. I loved listening to the hum of her Singer sewing machine and her company. We had the best conversations, and I adored her. We've missed her greatly and can only imagine the loss you are feeling now. She was such a blessing.
Becky Akester
Monday, April 14, 2025
I am so sad to see this, I had three kids go through JLM. We loved Ms Bray and she was such a wonderful teacher to these little ones. She was definitely one of the good ones and will always be remembered.
Catherine Brown
Sunday, April 13, 2025
So sorry for your loss. First met Brenda when she was my sons teacher at Julia Lee Moore elementary. She was so much fun during our Quilts of Valor sew days. She will be missed. Sending prayers your way.
Vickie Carter
Saturday, April 12, 2025
I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of your mom..
Butch and Sharon Baxley
Saturday, April 12, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed teaching with her and being in Beta Sigma Phi with her. I will remember that smile and laughter. Praying for peace and comfort for you and your family.
Jennette Wilkins
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Cherish your memories. Brenda will live on in your hearts. She will be dearly missed by everyone she touched. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carl and Rhonda Pearce
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Our family loved Mrs. Bray as a teacher, colleague and a friend. She was an incredible woman and we are saddened at her passing. Praying for the Lord Jesus to comfort her family as only He can during this time. Cling to your wonderful memories of her and her laughter that could fill any room. She will be fondly remembered by so many!
Sincerely,
Carl, Rhonda, Zandy, Amber and Eli Pearce
Marcia Tichy
Saturday, April 12, 2025
Brenda will be very missed I’m sure. She was a dear friend . We had many fun times together . She was fun, loving, and thoughtful longtime friend .
Mary Beth Cook
Friday, April 11, 2025
I am so sorry to see this! I lived down the street from her growing up and had her as a teacher. Praying for the family!
Elton & Sharon Robertson
Friday, April 11, 2025
Greg, and family so sorry for the loss of your mother. Sending and sympathy and prayers.
Elton & Sharon Robertson
Mae Schmidt
Friday, April 11, 2025
Lori I am so sorry if there is anything I can do don't hesitate to call me. I am so sorry girl
Susan Dombek
Friday, April 11, 2025
Brenda was student taught my husband in Greenbrier and later taught our daughter at JLM. I got the pleasure of getting to know her personally through Quilts of Valor. She was so much fun at our Sew Days. And, I could always count on her to read a poem or help with a presentation. We've missed her terribly, as she hasn't been able to participate with us for a while.
Prayers for Peace and Comfort!
Marilyn Whitley
Friday, April 11, 2025
To Brenda's Family I send my condolences, she was my Son's Kindergarten Teacher and was one of the Best I know she will be dearly missed.
Debbie West
Friday, April 11, 2025
I knew Brenda a long time ago she was my daughter’s second grade teacher. Several years later I was fortunate enough to help her sell a home. They were a pleasure to work with. I know she will be missed. Prayers for Lori and Greg as they cope with the loss. God bless the family.
Robert and Jolinda Bryant
Friday, April 11, 2025
We were sorry to learn of Brenda’s passing. She was a friend and previous member of Beta Sigma Phi. Sincere sympathy to all of her family. May God give you peace as the days, weeks and beyond go by. Robert and Jolinda Bryant
Ivy GUNNELLS
Friday, April 11, 2025
Lori I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember working with Mrs. Bray at JLM. I am praying for you and your family.
Bob Barham
Friday, April 11, 2025
Gregg, Lori, Tommy, and family:
I'm very sad to learn of Brenda's passing. You all were wonderful neighbors back in the mid-to late 70's on Riviera Drive. We all shared some great memories there, including the Stanley's. It's been a couple of years since I last talked to Brenda, but thought of and prayed for her often. She was always full of fun, encouraging to be around, and just a pleasant soul. She will be sorely missed. My deepest sympathy and prayers are for your family during this difficult time. God Bless each of you.
Bob
Barbara Smuth
Friday, April 11, 2025
Dear Greg, Lori and family, I am so sorry about Brenda’s passing. She was a great friend from our time together at church when our children were growing up. She was always so cheerful and joy to be around. I especially loved when one of my grandsons had her for a teacher! I will be praying for you.
Alice Glover
Friday, April 11, 2025
I’m so sorry for your loss. Brenda was a true, dear friend. I loved her like a Sister. My heart is saddened with her passing, but I know she is REJOICING with JESUS. Praying for her family.
Alice and Phillip Glover
Donna
Friday, April 11, 2025
Brenda was so much fun and a pleasure to be around. We taught together and always enjoyed being around each other.
Dana Villines
Friday, April 11, 2025
My deepest sympathy. My girls and I enjoyed her when she was a teacher at JLM. May she rest in peace.