Jo Ann Dorminey Ray passed away on June 30, 2022 at the age of 89 from dementia/ Alzheimer’s in Austin, Texas.
Mrs. Ray was born in Waycross, Georgia on October 11, 1932 to Linnie Tanner and Robert Fulton Dorminey. When JoAnn was 4 years old her father died of pneumonia and Mrs. Dorminey moved with her daughters to Douglas, Georgia to be near family. JoAnn attended the University of Georgia and received a degree in art history. She later went back to school to get her master’s degree from Georgia Southern. It was at this time that she began a rewarding career teaching in the Coffee County school system as a Junior High and High School art teacher. She later moved to the Atlanta area when her husband accepted a job opportunity. She also taught art in the schools in the Atlanta area.
After retiring from teaching she painted commission art and had a studio in her home in Braselton, Georgia. At the same time Dudley came out of retirement to serve on the town council of Braselton. These were truly the best of times for Jo Ann and Dudley, who made many new friends and so enjoyed their life at Chateau Elan.
Many people will remember her as a wonderful artist and her paintings hang in friends homes today. Jo Ann was a lady of style, grace and impeccable taste with a keen eye for detail. She loved fashion and it was always hilarious to hear Dudley go on and on about her love for St. John clothing (her favorite) and Ferragamo shoes. She typically replied with some poignant repartee to everyone’s delight.
Jo Ann and Dudley loved all of the friends they made along the way in their 62 years of marriage. The welcome mat was always out at their home with Jo Ann’s art displayed throughout. After her husbands passing she moved to Austin, Texas to be near her daughter.
In addition to her love of her family, Jo Ann loved to spend time at Fernandina Beach, her home away from home. And when in Atlanta it was the absolutely perfect day if she went to the Swan Coach House for lunch followed by a trip to Lennox and Neiman Marcus.
Mrs. Ray was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dudley Ray and her sister Sue Dorminey Morgan.
She leaves behind her two children, daughter Lisa and her husband Stratton and her son, Chip. Her grandchildren were a true delight to her, Whitney Jardine, Suzannah Ray and Stephanie Ray. She also has nephews and nieces who she has loved and enjoyed during her life.
Jo Ann will be laid to rest in Douglas beside Dudley in a private graveside service. Lisa and Chip would like to invite friends and family to a visitation on Monday, August 1 at Sims Funeral Home from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Due to the once again increasing risk of Covid we ask that everyone be especially careful when gathering inside.
Sims Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.