Neva Sue (Claybrook) Ray, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep November 20, 2021 at Brookdale Germantown. Sue was born May 21, 1930 in Trenton, TN. She was preceded in death by her spouse, John Lathanial Ray, of 55 years, her parents Clarence and Allie Dee Claybrook, Sisters Hazel Claybrook, Rebecca (Becky) Nelson, and Brothers Harris, Tom and Bill Claybrook, all were active farmers in Gibson County.

Sue graduated from Peabody High School and Baptist College of Health Sciences where she received her ADN in 1952. She worked in a number of health facilities in Shelby County yet spent significant time at the Arlington Developmental Center and the Mark H. Luttrell Correctional Center, where she retired. A Bartlett resident for over 60 years, Sue was a longtime member of Bartlett United Methodist Church where she was involved with the United Methodist Women and Fellowship Bible Class. She was active in the Shelby County Agricultural Extension Center, Elmore Park Garden Club and the Singleton Community Center, where she enjoyed line dancing. She never lost her love working the soil attempting to grow most anything and she especially cherished time with her grandchildren.

Sue was an avid supporter of the Memphis Tigers and the Grizzlies and a typical day included her reading the Commercial Appeal from cover to cover. She loved and was most proud of her three boys, five grandchildren and her great grandson. She was able to carry a unique sense of humor and a feisty spirit until her last day.

She is survived by three Sons, David Clark Ray of Seminole, AL, John Thomas Ray (Jeana') and Donald Miller Ray (August), five beloved grandchildren, Taylor Ray, Austin Ray, Ashland Ray, Anna Ray, Aiden Ray and her Great Grandson, Chase Robertson Ray. The family to would like to say a special thanks to the staff at Brookdale Germantown for the love and care they provided over the last seven years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Bartlett United Methodist Church on Thursday, December 30th, 2021 at 11 A.M. with visitation beginning at 10 A.M. Interment will follow at Memphis Memory Gardens on Raleigh LaGrange Road. The family requests any memorials be made to Bartlett United Methodist Church, 5676 Stage Road, Bartlett, TN 38134 or the Breast Cancer Eradication Initiative, PO Box 382886, Germantown, TN 38138.