Sue Ray

Mary Sue Whiteside Ray, known as Sue, was born August 19, 1947, in Vienna, Illinois, to Jane and Sherman Whiteside. She was the baby sister to Johnny and Jerry Whiteside. Jane later married Robert Hill, expanding Sue’s family to include a younger brother, Allen Hill, and two stepsisters, Gloria Hill and Greta Hill. From an early age, family held a special place in Sue’s heart and remained one of her greatest treasures.

Funeral Service is at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 19th, at Pleasant View Baptist Church in Bridgeport with burial at East Bridgeport Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 18th, at Hawkins Funeral Home Chapel in Bridgeport.

Johnny Irish and Gary Demmitt will officiate.

Pallbearers are Tyler Duhon, Joshua Stilwell, Cason Lanfear, Case Hooper, Lofton Dodson, Garrett Coward, and Will Cornelius. Honorary Pallbearers include Scott Stowers, Dennis Ortiz, John Ribeiro, Tom Steffen, John Copeland, John Stilwell, Russell Lineberry, Mike Simpson, Sergio Carillo, and Greg Wood. 

Sue’s story was one of faith, service, determination, and devotion to others.

A committed Christian, Sue lived a Christ-like life, showing compassion, generosity, forgiveness, kindness, and grace to those around her. Her faith was not simply something she spoke about; it was evident in the way she treated people, cared for those in need, and gave so freely of herself.

Sue embraced many roles over the years. She was a licensed beautician, a real estate agent, a church camp director, and an elder care provider. She also opened her heart and home as a foster parent to more than 80 children. With encouragement, guidance, stability, and affection, she made a lasting difference in the lives of many of those children, helping to change the course of their futures.

Her experiences serving others eventually inspired Sue, at the age of 40, to return to college and earn her nursing degree. She went on to work in several hospitals, where her compassion and dedication were felt by patients, families, and coworkers alike.

During this season, Sue met and married the love of her life, Dr. David Ray. They shared 30 devoted years of marriage. Together, David and Sue worked side by side to build The Family Clinic, united by their commitment to healthcare and to serving their community. Sue later continued in healthcare leadership, designing, opening, and managing Bridgeport Surgical Center, and then serving as manager of surgery at Bridgeport Hospital.

Sue also opened and managed Skin & Body Works Spa, bringing together her interests in beauty, wellness, healthcare, and helping others feel their best. Her creativity, determination, leadership, and genuine concern for people could be seen in both her professional accomplishments and her personal relationships.

Outside of work, Sue was a fabulous cook. Gathering around her table meant good food, conversation, laughter, and memories. Cooking was one of the many ways she expressed affection for family and friends.

She also had a playful way of showing just how much someone meant to her. Sue was known for leaving her special “sugar bites” on the faces of those she loved most—a uniquely Sue gesture that will continue to bring smiles to those who remember it.

More than anything, Sue treasured her family. She was a loving mother to Suzi Lineberry and her husband, Russell; Charley Lanfear and his wife, Pam; and Jodi Duhon. She was also a devoted stepmother to Jenny Stilwell and her husband, John, and Autumn Rizzi and her husband, Luca.

To her 12 grandchildren, Sue was affectionately known as “Grammy.” To her four great-grandchildren, she was their beloved “Gigi.” Another great-grandchild is on the way, an arrival Sue was especially excited about and eagerly anticipated.

Sue will be remembered for her strong Christian faith, the Christ-like life she lived, her generous spirit, determined nature, wonderful cooking, playful affection, and extraordinary willingness to serve. Whether welcoming a foster child into her home, comforting a patient, building a healthcare organization, preparing a meal, or simply being present for someone she cared about, Sue gave wholeheartedly.

Her influence can be seen in the countless people whose paths were changed because of her and, most especially, in her husband, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, foster children, siblings, extended family, and friends. The faith she practiced, the kindness she offered, and the Christ-like example she set will remain a lasting part of her legacy.

Hawkins Funeral Home Bridgeport

940-683-2211

www.hawkinsfuneralhome.com