Josephine Ray

Josephine Ray, 83, resident of Sikeston, Missouri, formerly of Bell City, Missouri, died  Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at Clearview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Sikeston, Missouri.  She was born January 25, 1936  in Dorena, Missouri to the late Joe 'Jack" Henry Ray and Katie Mae Ray.

Josephine confessed a hope in Christ at an early age in the state of Missouri and was of Baptist faith.  She attended Pilgrims Rest Church in Bell City,  Missouri, faithfully until her illness.

She worked at the Oran Hat Factory in Oran, Missouri for several years.

In 1954, Josephine met and married Manuel Wiley, Sr., who preceded her in death.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by five brothers,  John Ray, Carl Ray, James Ray, Chester Ray, and Joe Ray, Jr.,  two sisters,  Georgetta Ray and Minnie Baylock, two grandsons,  James Bailey, IV and Tyrone Sheron, and two granddaughters, Nicole Wiley and Altoya Croon.

Josephine  enjoyed knitting, cooking, and watching Western movies. Her favorite Western movie was " The Outlaw Josey Wales". She also loved playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Josephine  really enjoyed putting smiles on everyone she met.  Her favorite pastime was to cook Sunday dinners.

She is survived by six sons: Alvester Johnson of Sikeston Missouri, Hershel Wiley of Cape Girardeau,  Missouri, Jerry Wiley of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rodney Wiley and Charles Wiley of Kansas City, Kansas,  and Manuel (Cynthia) Wiley Jr. of Sikeston, Missouri,  five daughters Juanita (James) Bailey of Memphis, Tennessee,  Pamela Wiley, Phyllis Wiley,  Regina (Ron) Hicks, and Evonda Wiley of Sikeston, Missouri Sikeston, Missouri, one brother, Slyvester (Mary) Ray of Sikeston, Missouri, two sisters, Olivia Moore and Glendora Ray of Chicago, Illinois  and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and close friends.

Friends may call Thursday, March 21, 2019 from 11:00 A. M. until the funeral hour of 12:00 noon at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Sikeston, Missouri, with Dr. Elisha Pullen, officiating.

Interment will follow in J. C. Pullen Memorial Garden in Bell City, Missouri with the Williams Funeral Home of Sikeston, Missouri in charge of arrangements.