NATCHEZ — A memorial ceremony honoring Joe Karen Garraway Bray, 65, previously of Natchez, is pending.

Joe Karen was born in Brookhaven, the second of three daughters to James Dwight and DeLores Jolly Garraway. She grew up in Natchez, attended Carpenter II, Braden and graduated from NHS in 1960 where she served as class secretary, homecoming maid and varsity cheerleader.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her only child Samuel Garraway Truly.

Survivors include her devoted husband Gilbert Bray; two step-children Amber and Michael Bray; sisters Jemmy Sue Farrier, of Baton Rouge, and Jack Kelly, of Natchez; nephews Ben Byron Montgomery, of Tylertown, and James Mansell Lancaster, of Natchez; nieces Tracy Militello, of Baton Rouge, Chandler Montgomery, of Hernando and Sally Lancaster Friedman, of Stamford, Conn.; aunt Cleta Burt, of McComb; three great-nephews and one great-niece.

Despite a life fraught with medical struggles, she loved people and music and especially enjoyed dancing and shooting pool. A tree like one she would have climbed as a kid will be planted, ceremoniously, in her memory somewhere she would have liked, probably balloon race weekend. Please notify a family member if you would like to attend.

Joe Karen was a wonderful human being. The clouds are a little puffier now.