Stella L. Bray's Obituary
Stella Lillian Bray (nee McDarby)
The struggle with writing an obituary is how synthesize down 94 years into a few words. Her accomplishments and accolades are many. To sum up the totality of her, she was generous. Mum was a giver. She gave her time even when she did not have much of it. She gave her talent of creativity and sewing by making costumes for her church, and friends, let alone her family. If a person needed a roof over their heads to get themselves together, Mum welcomed them into her home. Mostly she gave as a mother. Motherhood is hard, it is all about giving and sacrifice. For those reading this who have children you know what we are saying.
Preparing for the death of a loved one is hard, there is no amount of “time” that makes the reality any easier when it arrives. Our mother lived a long life. One that on the surface to people who were not close to her seemed average. Mum was anything but average. She was quiet and humble. Yet when she shared her opinions, they were thoughtful and strong.
Mum was an immigrant. She became a United States Citizen and lived more as an American than most native born. She experienced her early life in ways we as American’s know of only academically. She lived through the Blitz. For those who are not sure what this was it was the bombing of London in WWII. As a teenager during the war, she served as a first responder on St John’s Ambulance brigade. She was on food rations most of her childhood, teens, and twenties.
Mum met our dad during the Korean War. At first, she didn’t want anything to do “with that bloody Yank”, but he wore her down and after a several years she agreed to marry him. Our mother was not going to be a “war bride” though. Dad’s family sponsored her here in America, Mum came on her own dime and with her brother, our Uncle John. She wanted to meet the family before coming part of it.
Mum and dad moved to Texas in the early 1960’s. It was seen as the land of opportunity as the Northeastern part of America was struggling. She moved this time with two children to yet another culture and again adapted. In the late 60’s we all moved to the “farm”. This was our mother’s dream home. She planned the house and participated in the building of it. She adapted again and became a core part of the rural community. From living in London to rural Texas our mother always adjusted and always made time to be and give.
The hardest part about our mother’s passing was watching her diminish. Dementia is a heinous disease. It takes away the individuality and memories … chipping away at the very things that are the person and personality. The solace is our remembrance of all that made Stella Lillian Bray who she was.
Mrs. Stella L. Bray, age 94, passed away on Wednesday October 19, 2022, in Murphy, Texas. She was born to Mr. George McDarby and Ms. Stella Spearman on Sunday, May 13, 1928, in London, England. Stella leaves her loved ones with unforgettable memories and loving stories. She will be sincerely missed by her loving family, devoted friends, and all the wonderful individuals who knew and loved her.
To join this service please click the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rC1bZf9jQY4
Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Stella Bray have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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