Erma Jean Ray

Erma Jean Ray, born May 2, 1948, passed on March 23, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and resilience. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Willard and Essie Ray; her sons, Joshua and Dylan Ray; her brother, Byron Ray, and his wife, Jackie along with her son-in-law, Phil Maynard, and 3 nephews, Robert, Jeremy, and Toby. Erma’s memory will be cherished by her daughters, Monica Williams and her husband, Lewis, Sarah Maynard, Brittany Ames and her husband, Bryan. She also leaves behind her siblings, Anna Rodriguez, Brenda Morris, Sandy Ray, and George Ray. Her love extended to her ten grandchildren along with her three grandchildren-in-law and four precious great-grandchildren - Alyssa Parsons, Dakota Parsons, Eloise Parsons, and Tatum Parsons, Jamaylan Ray, Zane and Alyssa Hope Maynard, Adele Newman, Tyler Newman, E. Newman, O. Newman, Nathaniel Williams, Leyton Williams, and Hailey Ray, Michael, Kevin, and Kiersten Ames, as well as Blake Ray, Harrison Ray-Roberts and Ashton Ray-Roberts. She also leaves behind her chosen family members- Tina Fry and Katie Willis, Johnna Slone-Stollings, Miranda McClanahan, and Connie Gregory; along with many other loved ones including nieces and nephews. Furthermore, she leaves behind her future husband Bob Dylan! Erma lived a life rich with experiences, adventure, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. She was a woman of many talents and careers, including but not limited to having worked as a file clerk for the FBI, a clerk at Bacon's Department Store, a writer, a seamstress, and a typesetter for The Big Sandy News, where she worked until her retirement following a medical trauma. She spent the last 17 years of her life surrounded by love and care, living with her daughter, Sarah and her family. Those who knew Erma will always remember her as sweet, sassy, and stubborn—a woman who faced life’s challenges and embraced every moment with warmth and humor. Though, sometimes, she had to hide away in her room with a mountain of books before taking on some of those obstacles life threw at her. She was a hippie at heart, an avid reader, a music and dance enthusiast and above all, a loving mother, sister, mamaw, and friend. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her love and legacy will continue to shine in the hearts of those she leaves behind. A memorial service to honor Erma’s life will be held soon. Henson and Kitchen Mortuary and Cremation Services, 6357 E Pea Ridge Road Huntington, WV 25705 is caring for the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.hensonandkitchen.com.

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Erma Jean Ray

May 2, 1948 - March 23, 2025