JoAnne Bray, of Collyer, Kansas, passed from this Earth and entered our Heavenly Father’s arms on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at the beautiful age of 92. What a joyous time it must have been for her to see her Heavenly Father and Jesus early that morning, along with being reunited with her husband, Keith, and other family members who had passed before her. Halleluiah!
She went to sleep peacefully only a few hours after sharing a prayer with Grace, director and owner of her long-term care facility, her last words on Earth being “Amen.”
JoAnne was a beloved and devoted wife, mom, grandma, great-grandma, and great-great-grandma. She was born in the family home on the family farm in Nolan, Texas, on January 7, 1934, to her parents, Samuel Griffin Hanks III and Savannah (McCoy) Hanks. JoAnne graduated from Nolan High School in May 1952 and then attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.
In the summer of 1953, she met the love of her life, Keith Bray. It must have been love at first sight, as they were married approximately 90 days later, on September 11, 1953, at St. John’s Methodist Church in Lubbock, Texas.
JoAnne had a remarkable career in education. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from Texas Tech University in 1956, obtained her Special Education Certification from Wichita State University in 1973, and also earned certification in Gifted Education. She taught in several communities throughout her career and retired after 17 years of service with the Quinter School District.
JoAnne and Keith shared 70 years of marriage before Keith’s passing on October 28, 2023. Over those years, they made homes in Ackerly, Texas; Quinter, Kansas; and later Collyer, Kansas. During Keith’s military service, he was stationed in Baumholder, Germany, for 11 months, where JoAnne joined him. During that time, they traveled throughout Europe, visiting Paris, France; Garmisch, Germany; Holland during the Tulip Festival; and Switzerland.
During their busy lives and teaching careers, they raised three children: Gene Keith, Kim, and Allen. JoAnne was also very active in her local, school, and church communities. At the Quinter Methodist Church, she served as Sunday school superintendent, was a member of the women’s group, and served in many other capacities. She was known for generously providing desserts, casseroles, ice cream, and meals for church gatherings and events.
JoAnne often said of her teaching and service, “There is never a dull moment, and each day brings many new delights and some heartaches along the way. So glad that there were more delights than heartaches.”
JoAnne is survived by her children: Gene Keith (Bev) Bray of Maysville, Oklahoma; Kim (Larry Joe) Jacobs of Kiowa, Colorado; and Allen (Kelly) Bray of Olathe, Kansas; grandchildren: Wes Adams of Lawton, Oklahoma; Pam (Jerry) Gardner of Gering, Nebraska; Sam (Malerie) Bray of Gooding, Idaho; KaSara (Shaun) of St. George, Utah; KaSaundra (Nate) Meade of Casper, Wyoming; Jake Jacobs of Kiowa, Colorado; Addy (Ever) Hernandez of Olathe, Kansas; and Savannah, Thomas, and Joseph Bray, all of Olathe, Kansas; great-grandchildren: Leuna, Rehna, Treuen, and Tessin Meade; Alexa Hayes; Nathan (Danika) Adams; Ryan (Jennifer) Gardner; Livee and Lexi Bray; and Aspen and Amalia Hernandez; great-great-grandchildren: four; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith Bray; her parents, Samuel Griffin Hanks III and Savannah Hanks; grandson, Jarman Joe Jacobs; and siblings, Samuel Richard “Dick” Hanks, Dorcus Allegra “Sissy” Rhodes, Martha Mae “Babe” Bowan, Gene Benjamin “Gene B.” Hanks, and Izadora Belle “Dody” Gibbs.
JoAnne leaves behind a legacy of enduring love, wisdom shared with hundreds of students, and a passion for cooking and education that will forever be remembered. She had a profound impact on the many lives she touched and will continue to influence generations to come.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held at the Quinter Methodist Church on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Inurnment will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas, where her cremated remains will be laid to rest beside her husband.
May JoAnne’s spirit rest in peace as she enters the gates of Heaven and rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Quinter Methodist Church or GraceHealth Senior Homes. Please make checks payable to one of these organizations and include “JoAnne Bray” in the memo line. Contributions may be sent in care of Schmitt Funeral Home, 336 N. 12th St., WaKeeney, KS 67672.
To share memories or leave condolences, please visit www.schmittfuneral.com.