Esther Ray

On May 19, 2026 Esther Ray left for Heaven. She was born in Sunderland, England to the late J.B.A and Alice Collins.

She leaves behind her husband of 66 years, Mason C. Ray; her children John Michael Ray, Penny Eagle (Bobby) and Melanie McKinney (Greg). She was a beloved ‘GiGi’ to 7 grandchildren; Christopher Eagle (Kristin), Walter Fleming (April), Chelsea Fleming, Kirsten Olsen (Justin), Jake McKinney, Zach McKinney, Madison McKinney along with 4 great-grandchildren; Alexandra Smith, Grayson Eagle, Zoe Eagle and Henry Olsen.

Esther was an avid soccer fan and loved the razorbacks. She was a long-time member of Immaculate Heart of Mary, where she attended mass weekly without fail. Upon retiring from the State of Arkansas, Esther volunteered at St Vincent twice a week for 20 years.

Esther made the world a better place with everything she did, she will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Friday, May 22, 2026, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 23, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, followed by interment at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery.