Jessie Ray Frye

Jessie Ray Frye, a registered nurse and lifelong resident of Mathiston MS, died unexpectedly on June 17, 2022 at the age of 84. Jessie is survived by her two sons Leslie “Bubba” Frye of Dallas, Texas and Russell Frye of Albuquerque, New Mexico, seven granddaughters; Arden and Avery Frye, Ennette Rowe, Angie DeBose, Shannon Carey, Kristen Smith, Maddy Harris, and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and family. She is preceded in death by her husband James Albert Frye, her parents; Albert Jackson Ray and Lena Gordon Ray, and a brother; Sebrun Ray. Jessie was born in Cleveland Mississippi on May 3, 1938 to Albert and Lena Ray. She graduated from Cleveland High School and Copiah-Lincoln College in Wesson Mississippi for her undergraduate. She moved to Washington D.C. where she worked at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) under J. Edgar Hoover before she was married to the love of her life, James Albert Frye and raised her two sons. As a country music singer, she could also be heard singing on many stages alongside her husband and her son, Bubba with his band, “Big Country”. Jessie began her nursing career at Holmes Community College in Mississippi and later graduated at the top of her class and became an RN at South Baltimore General in Baltimore, Maryland. She was a source of inspiration and a mentor to countless others as a nurse for more than 40 years. She worked at Prince Georges County Hospital in Maryland and after moving back to Mathiston to care for her Mother, she worked at North Mississippi Medical Center and the Nursing Home in Eupora, where she retired. Jessie was a devoted mother, wife, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great grandmother to her loving family and a loyal friend to all who knew her. Jessie spent her life in service to her church and especially the United Methodist Women at the Mathiston United Methodist Church where she remained an active member up until her death. Jessie was a voracious reader of books and could be found buying or reading books to the children of the Mathiston Public Library where she was an advocate and loyal supporter. Jessie was a huge lover of animals, having a pet at her side at all times including Elly Mae, her beloved Dachshund. Jessie had a smile that could light up the room and a heart that was open and affirming to everyone. She was a woman of great faith and an ally to those who were marginalized. She will be deeply missed by all of her family friends and everyone who knew her. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, June 25, 2022 at Mathiston United Methodist Church in Mathiston, MS at 2:00PM. The family received friends for a time of visitation at 1:00PM until time for the Service. Reverend Owen Gordon and Bro. Roger Miller officiated. Oliver Funeral Home of Eupora was in charge of all arrangements. Condolences can be made to her son, Leslie “Bubba” Frye on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/leslie.frye1 or at 3736 W Beverly Dr. Dallas TX 75209.