Joyce Ann Wray, 78, of Glasgow, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Shanti Niketan Hospice Home, surrounded by the love and presence of her devoted family. Though her passing brings sadness, her life leaves behind a legacy filled with faith, creativity, service, and deep family devotion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Joyce was the beloved daughter of the late Verner Haden Brown and Pearl Esther Barnett Brown, and she carried their values of kindness, hard work, and love throughout her life.
Joyce was a woman of many talents and interests, and she pursued them with enthusiasm and grace. She was an active and proud member of the Barren County Homemakers, where she formed lasting friendships and shared her skills generously.
Joyce had a special love for the arts, especially painting and photography, and she found joy in expressing beauty through her creative work.One of her greatest pleasures was entering her projects in the Barren County Fair, where she enjoyed both the friendly competition and the opportunity to showcase her talents to the community.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Joyce was a dedicated and faithful member of the Glasgow Bible Church, where she worshipped regularly and lived out her beliefs through quiet service, compassion, and encouragement to others. Her steady faith guided her through life’s challenges and was a source of strength and comfort to her family.
Above all else, Joyce treasured her family. She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Billy Wray, whose partnership and devotion were the heart of her life.
Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support. She was a proud and devoted mother to her daughters, Donna Vissman (Chris) and Debra Murphy (Justin), and her son, Landon Wray (Anna).
Joyce also delighted in her role as grandmother to nine cherished grandchildren: Ian, Bennett, and Chloe Vissman; Amelia English; Gunner Murphy and Justin Murphy Jr.; Caleb, Marshal, and Esther Wray.
Each child held a special place in her heart, and she found endless joy in their lives and accomplishments.
Joyce is also survived by her brothers, Cecil Brown (Beverly Ann) and Harold Brown (Tilda), and her sisters, Norma Craft, Doris Stout, Joy Coleman (Mike), and Nancy Moreland, along with several nieces and nephews who will fondly remember her warmth and kindness.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four brothers Stanley, Paul, Joseph, and Thomas Brown as well as her sister-in-law Ann Brown and brothers-in-law J.G. Craft, Jerry Stout, and Sammy Moreland.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Glasgow Bible Church, with burial to follow at 2:00 p.m. in Memorial Hill Cemetery in Albany, Kentucky. Visitation will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday and after 8:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Glasgow Bible Church in Joyce’s memory. Joyce Ann Wray will be remembered for her gentle spirit, creative soul, steadfast faith, and the love she so freely gave.
