Jerri Sue Yielding Ray was born on October 21, 1949, to Charlie and Louise Yielding in Beebe, AR, and died at her home in Cabot, AR surrounded by her loved ones on August 4, 2023.
Jerri Sue grew up on the family dairy farm in Ward, AR along with her two older brothers, Charles, and Don. She attended Cabot schools where she was a cheerleader, football queen and Jr. Miss Cabot. It is in school where she met her best friend and husband, Gary Ray. They were married October 8, 1966, in Stilwell, Oklahoma and had a little more than 56 years together in Cabot, AR. Jerri Sue was baptized on October 6, 1971, and was a praying warrior up until the moment she went to be with her Lord and Savior.
Jerri Sue was a teacher in the Cabot Public School system for over 30 years. She had a passion for teaching young children and watching them grow in knowledge from the beginning of the year to the end. Many students even chose a teaching career in their adulthood due to the love and compassion that they felt by being students in her classroom. After her teaching career, she also enjoyed being a Mary Kay consultant, as well as a real estate agent. Everyone who knew her loved her, along with her sweet disposition and caring heart. She will be missed by many.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother, Don Yielding. She is survived by her husband, Gary Ray of Cabot, AR, daughter Rhonda (Mark) Bell of Fair Oaks Ranch, Tx, Krystal (Kevin) Marlow of Conway, AR, Jenni (Alex) Hansberry of Jacksonville, AR, son Caleb Ray of Searcy, AR, son Samuel Ray (Lindsey Carey) of Dexter, MO, and brother Charles (Suzie) Yielding of Ward, AR. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren: Joshua (Elizabeth Bell), Zachary Bell, Lucas Bell, Jeremiah Marlow, Hannah Marlow, AJ Hansberry, Jaelon Hansberry, Kingston Ray and Bodie Ray. Also left to cherish her memories are Shelay Biley, and Jerri Sue’s in-laws, Martha and Tom Marshall, Tom and Phyllis Ray and Melanee Yielding, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
The family extends a special thanks to Arkansas Hospice for their care, love, compassion, and prayers during such a difficult time.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 2:00pm in the chapel at A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, please make any donation to Arkansas Hospice or Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
20 Comments
Jerri Sue was one of the sweetest people I have ever had the privilege to know. She will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Rickie and I both. grew up in Sylvania close to where Jerri Sue grew up. She was always so sweet and beautiful inside and out. Our prayers are with her family as they process their grief in losing Jerri Sue. May God grant you all the peace and comfort that only He can give.🙏
Jenni and family,
Amy and I are saddened to learn of this loss.
Jerri Sue was a friend to everyone. She loved and cared for her family deeply. IMy condolences and love to her family.
Growing up I always enjoyed my visits to her house. She was the sweetest person! I loved her and know she was adored by everyone. I enjoyed be her niece.
Prayers and hugs for this sweet family. She was a lovely, lovely lady!
Prayers for your family Krystal, we will continue to lift you up in prayet
She was loved and admired by so very many
I so much enjoyed working with Jerri Sue for many years at Northside Elementary School. She was so kind to me and to others. I knew every time I saw her she would have a beautiful smile on her face. It didn’t matter what kind of day she was having or how bad she felt. She truly cared for others and was devoted to teaching her students. We will all miss her, but we know she is now in the presence of our dear Lord rejoicing. Until we meet again Jerri Sue……
Jerri Sue will be missed by so many people. I knew her from Wood Pharmacy since 1979. Prayer to her family
I loved my sister-in-law like she was my blood sister. She was so good to me from day one when I met her in November of 1979. She was my friend and I will miss her so much. She taught me so much over the years and I treasure my memories of our friendship. Prayers to her whole family. She will be missed by everyone.
Mrs Jerri Sue was a dear friend to me. I enjoyed our sweet visits every time she came to my shop for hair appointments. She was more than a customer, she was my friend. I’ll never forget her and I’ll cherish our many laughs! I’ll be praying for the family.
I’m so sad to hear of Jerri Sue’s death and my prayers are for strength and peace for all the family. My son, Brad Bailey, and Rhonda were in the same class at Cabot High School. The whole family was always considered very special and I know how much she will be missed by all.
One of My Lifelong Friends, Fine Lady, Parent and Teacher. Prayers for Gary and All the Family, R.I.P. Jerri Sue
Sometimes in this life you are extra blessed to meet an extraordinary person – Such was and is Jerri Sue. I know she is enjoying herself in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
So sorry to receive the news of Jerri Sue’s passing . One of the class of 1967.
Gary and family, you have my sincere condolences. I would be hard pressed to name any of our old high school circle who was sweeter and kinder and I only hope that her memory will serve to help you through these very difficult days.
My deepest condolences to this wonderful family. Jerri Sue was a beautiful lady of faith, love, and integrity. She will be missed on our earth, but I rejoice knowing that we will see her again.
Very sorry for the loss of your wife, Jerri Sue. Prayers for Gary & all of her family
So sorry for the loss of this beautiful young lady. Our prayers are with her family and friends.
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