DENIO, JANE BARBEE RAYJane was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on January 11, 1932 to Jeanette and William F. Barbee. She passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2014.
She lived in Little Rock and attended school there until her junior year of high school. She then attended and graduated from Gulf Park in Gulf Port, Mississippi. She attended the University of Arkansas where she met and married Harold Gene Ray 1931 1986 on February 18, 1950. They moved to Little Rock where Harold went to medical school and completed his internship. Harold went into the Army and was sent to California and Okinawa. He went to the Panama Canal Zone as a Civil Servant for his Residency. In 1960 the family moved to Roswell.
Jane was active in the community as past president of St. Marys Hospital Auxiliary and Roswell Assistance League the Roswell Community League now. She served on several community boards, Working Mothers Day Nursery, Red Cross, and others. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and participated in a Tuesday morning prayer group.
On January 26, 1997 she married Keith DeNio and continued to live in Roswell. She and Keith enjoyed traveling together in their motor home visiting family and friends.
Proceeded in death by her parents, husband Harold Gene Ray, Sr., beloved sister Frances B. Buras, and stepson Steve E. DeNio, Jane leaves three children H. Gene Ray, Jr and his wife Shirley, Rebecca Ray Bohnhoff and her husband Herman, and William B. Ray and his wife Debbie one stepson Shawn DeNio and his wife Anita sister Patsy B. Price nine grandchildren ten greatgrandchildren several nieces, nephews, greatnieces, and great nephews and many good and dear friends.
Jane was better known as Big Mama by her good friends and all her grandchildren, not because of her size 5 and 110 lbs. but because of the size of her heart. Big Mama was known for putting the comfort and welfare of others before her own. She will be remembered as a loving, caring person who exhibits a great love of God, family, and friends.
Donations may be made to First United Methodist Church scholarship fund, to Gentiva Hospice or to a favorite charity, in lieu of flowers.
A memorial will be held at First United Methodist Church on Thursday, April 17, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Rev. Dr. Doug Mills will officiate.
Interment will be private.
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