Genevieve D. Ray

Arnaudville - A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 3:15 pm on Friday, September 4, 2026, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Grand Coteau, honoring the life of Genevieve D. Ray, 81, who passed away on Friday, August 21, 2026, in Dallas, Texas.

A visitation will take place at Pellerin Funeral Home in Arnaudville on Friday from 10:00 am until 2:30 pm.

A Rosary will be prayed at 1:00 pm on Friday.

Father Melancon will officiate at the Funeral Mass. Readers will be James Dartez and Ericka Kennedy. Gift bearers will be Shelby Trahan, Kennedy Trahan and Marli Kennedy.

Burial will follow at St. Charles Borromeo Cemetery in Grand Coteau.

Genevieve "Jenny" D. Ray, 81, was born on May 15, 1945, to Henry and Louisiana Dartez in Arnaudville, Louisiana. Jenny was the middle child of five children. She graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Breaux Bridge in 1965.

In 1969, Jenny married her husband, Charles Harold Ray, and together they later welcomed two daughters, Patrice Ray Simpson and Sophia Jones. She also played a major role in raising her granddaughter, Brittny, for 12 years, creating a special bond that would last a lifetime.

In her younger years, Jenny dreamed of becoming a beautician, but instead found pride in working as a pharmacy assistant to her brother-in-law, Earl Kennedy, at Pride Plaza Pharmacy. Her heart for serving others could also be seen throughout her years of employment as a waitress at Plantation Hotel & Restaurant and as a cook at Sunset Elementary School. She later worked as a seamstress at Cintas for seventeen years before retiring. Never one to sit still for long, Jenny later joined a team of friends as a baker's assistant at P&D Cake Cottage.

Outside of work, Jenny found joy in the simple things that made life full. She loved zydeco dancing, having coffee while rocking in her chair on the front porch, and spending time with the people she loved. A great talker, Jenny especially enjoyed long phone calls and visits with family and friends.

Jenny was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Louisiana Dartez; her brothers, Andrew Dartez, Wilson Dartez, and Henry Dartez Jr. (Sheryl); her sister, Lou Anna Guidry (Walter Paul Guidry); and her in-laws, Edward and Theresa Ray, Edward Ray Jr., Rufus Earl Kennedy II, and Michael Labat Sr.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, Charles; her children, Patrice Ray Simpson (Joseph Charles) and Sophia Jones (Jonathan); her grandchildren, Brittny Gilliam (LaRon), Michael Simpson, Olivia Jones, Landon Jones, Ashley Simpson, and Alexander Simpson; and her great-grandchildren, Marshall Gilliam, Zion Simpson, Zane Simpson, and Zuri Simpson. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law, Sadie Khan, Hedy Dartez, Constance Labat, and Lynne Kennedy.

Also cherishing her memory are a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loving friends whose lives were touched by Jenny's presence.

Pallbearers will be Brian Kennedy, Christian Dartez, Joseph Stacy Guidry, Landon Jones, Marc Simpson and Michael Simpson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Alexander Simpson, Brian Dartez, Catrell Charles, Chris Dartez, Earl Kennedy, III, Edward Kennedy, Jontre Charles, Joseph Earnest Journet, Michael Labat, Jr., Paul Gabriel and Randy Guidry.

Pellerin Funeral Home of Arnaudville (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements.