Louise Sullivan Bray

Louise Sullivan Bray went to her heavenly home on March 13, 2018. After suffering with congestive heart failure for many years, she died at the home of her daughter, under the care of Good Shepherd Hospice. Born June 21, 1932 in Thomasville, NC, Louise was the eldest daughter of seven children born to H.A. and MaeBelle Sullivan. She moved to Lakeland with her husband and two children in 1957. As a young mother, she kept her family active in church, was a den mother with her son's Boy Scout Troop, helped her daughter earn her Girl Scout badges, and played couple's bridge. In 1970, another daughter was born. Louise was an expert seamstress who made all the clothes for herself and her daughters. As an exceptional cook and baker, she was well known for her fried chicken and sweet potato pie. When her children grew older, she worked as a switchboard operator for the City of Lakeland at City Hall, and later retired from a 25-year career in the corporate office at Publix Super Markets. Louise lived her life in dedication to Christ and in service to others. As a charter member of Victory Church in Lakeland, she sang in the choir, was a long-standing member of the Praying Moms, and devoted many hours to leading Bible studies for mentally challenged adults in a group home. Louise was an avid reader of the Bible and inspirational literature, was a sought-after prayer warrior, and supported many missionary families around the world, as well as countless local and international charities. Those who loved her relied on her wise counsel and compassion, and admired her for her strength and calm demeanor in the face of adversity. Louise loved to travel, and in later years, enjoyed many girl trips with her oldest daughter and her three sisters. Always happiest when surrounded by family and friends, she greatly enjoyed the fun and fellowship of her Monday card group and Friday night dominoes group. She was known for her sweet spirit, kind heart, and her joyful laugh that made everyone else want to laugh with her. Louise was predeceased by her parents; her brothers Gerald, Wade and Maschil; and her son, H. Scott Bray. The surviving family are her daughters, Teresa Bray and her husband Joe Paul, and Joy Day Weaver and her husband Matt (all of Lakeland, FL); daughter-in-law Patricia Bray (Howie-in-the-Hills, FL); sisters Linda Hawks (Johnson City, TN), Karen Sink and her husband Steve (Thomasville, NC), and Judy Rains and her husband Scott (Trinity, NC); grandchildren Laura Magrone (Nick), Darien Watkins (Kyle), Kalen Bray, Jessica Day and Jeremy Day; great-granddaughter Lirin Watkins; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The family sends special thanks to the Rose Team at Good Shepherd Hospice for their great care and support; especially to Carrie Shills, Tammy Konkol, Alicia Henry, Shaneka Calhoun, Chaplain Walt Godwin and Chaplain Bob Franklin. As a personal note to Maribel Page, there are simply no words that can express our thanks for all you did for Mom and our family. A memorial service celebrating Louise's life will be held at the Community Center at Parker Street Ministries at 719 N. Massachusetts Avenue in Lakeland at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 24, 2018. The family invites you to join them for fellowship and lunch immediately following the service in the Family Life Center. An interment ceremony will be held at 2:30 p.m. at Serenity Gardens Cemetery, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland, FL. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to consider a donation to Louise's favorite local ministry, Parker Street Ministries, Inc., PO Box 433, Lakeland, FL 33802.

Louise Sullivan Bray

June 21, 1932 - March 13, 2018