Theresa (Abercombie) Ray

Theresa Abercrombie Ray

LA MARQUE - Mrs. Theresa Abercrombie Ray went to be with our Lord on January 13, 2023. She was 90 years old and died peacefully at home following a lengthy illness.

She was born March 31, 1932, at the Blimp Base in Hitchcock, Texas, now known as Naval Air Station Hitchcock, to Fannie Eva (King) and William P. “Brother” Abercrombie. She grew up in Hitchcock and attended Lorraine Crosby School and Central High School in Galveston, graduating in 1949. In 1958, she married Alfred Ray Sr. of Brenham, and they settled in La Marque.

Mrs. Ray attended trade school for health services clerk and began her professional life at John Sealy Hospital as a ward clerk. She achieved her dream of a career in health administration working locally at St. Mary’s and Danforth Hospitals, eventually ascending to the role of head of payroll at what is now known as Mainland Center Hospital.

Throughout her life Mrs. Ray was active in the Catholic church. She was a member of the Knights of Peter Claver, Ladies Auxiliary, Queen of Peace Ct. 163, and served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist to the infirmed. She was also part of the Liturgy Committee and sang in her church choir for many years. She recently returned to Our Lady of Lourdes in Hitchcock which she attended growing up. She also formed and organized the Queen Bees weekly bridge group where ladies met regularly for games and fellowship.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Ursula Shaw of La Marque.

Her survivors include her daughter, Alecia Lemelle of Hitchcock; sons, Alfred Ray Jr. (Gay) of Joshua, TX and William “Bubba” Ray (Reniece) of Texas City; niece, Joyce Bell of La Marque; grandchildren, Daniel Ross Taylor (Suzy) of Lubbock, William Patrick Watt of Friendswood and Aaron Jordan “A.J.” Ray of Sugar Land; grandniece, Ursula Katrease Hare (Anthony) of Dickinson; and a host of friends and other relatives. The family expresses deep appreciation to Essential Hospice, Mikayla, Julie, and Emma.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 10:30 a.m., with a Rosary recited at 10:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 19, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Reverend David Harris. Interment will follow at Hayes Grace Memorial Park Cemetery.

Casketbearers will be A. J. Ray, Alfred Ray, Jr., William “Bubba” Ray, Daniel Taylor, Russel Washington, and Patrick Watt.

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