Dora Jean Raley

A memorial service for Mrs. Dora Jean Raley will begin at 11:00 AM, Monday, March 4, 2024, at Long Creek Baptist Church with the Reverends Marty Harper and Jerry Whitener officiating. The Raley family will receive guests from 10:00 – 10:45 AM before the memorial service.  Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

With profound sadness, yet celebrating a life incredibly well lived, we announce the passing of Dora Jean Raley, at the age of 73.  She was a remarkable soul, whose zest for life and boundless love touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Dora Jean was the heart of our family, the one who taught us generosity, appreciation for animals and nature, and spending quality time together. She was always a step ahead of us planning our next big adventure. She believed the true adventure lay not in the destination but in the journey. Most of all, she taught us the love of God. She was a generous soul who had a desire to pass along our family traditions. From baking family recipes, to decorating the house, she always made sure every detail was perfect. She taught us the importance of coming together not just in times of celebration but in moments of challenge, reminding us that our strength lay in our unity. We have been profoundly shaped by her love and the traditions she cherished.

She really loved her church and especially her Sunday school class and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Operation Christmas Child, a cause close to her heart embodying the spirit of giving she exemplified.

She leaves behind a legacy that will be carried forward by her husband of over 59 years, Roy Raley; daughters, Shari May (Barry) and Amy Banjac (Igor); son, James Raley (Sandra); grandchildren, Terry Raley, Vanessa Jones (Aaron), Alexander Banjac, Nicholas Banjac, Jamey Raley, and Britney Raley; sister, Janet McKie (Bob); special nephew, Tony Ridinger, as well of a host of extended family members.

Mrs. Raley was preceded in death by her parents, William Barney Brown and Dora Welch and siblings, Tommy Brown, Annie Pearl Crabb, and Ouida Ridinger.

As we bid farewell, we take comfort in knowing her spirit will live on in every holiday celebrated, in every story told, and in the hearts of everyone who knew her.  Rest in peace, your love and light will forever guide us.

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.