Biography:

Juanita Maxine Bray (née Crabb) was born on October 19, 1928, in Leedey, Oklahoma, and on February 19, 2026, she stepped from this life into eternity, leaving behind nearly a century of steady love, strength and faith.

In 1946, Maxine married the love of her life, Wilbur Bray, and she was by his side when he passed away 65 years later. The legacy of their love continues through the family they built together.

She found joy in worship, leaned on the Bible’s promises and carried her faith into everyday life through generosity and kindness. In the mid-1970s, Maxine quietly gave back in a special way, baking cookies for the residents of Youth Home’s Stillman House every Wednesday, offering comfort through a simple act of love that spoke volumes about her heart.

Maxine was never without a bottomless cup of hot, black coffee and her signature lipstick. For 30 years, she was a familiar and welcoming presence in the cosmetics department at JCPenney, first in the Little Rock store that anchored University Mall, then in the Dallas store following the family’s move to Fort Worth. For outstanding cosmetics sales, she won a custom-made mink fur coat, which was presented to her by Priscilla Presley.  After Maxine's retirement, she and Wilbur moved back to Little Rock to be closer to their daughters. It was then in the late 1990s that she began to share her gift of music as a member of the Top of the Rock Chorus, a chapter of Sweet Adelines that performed and competed regionally.

Maxine’s life was a living testimony of faith in action. She is now reunited in heaven with those who went before her: parents, Ora and Albert Crabb; beloved husband, Wilbur Bray; infant son, Wilbur Wayne; brothers, Floyd and Maurice (Moe); and granddaughter, Tracie.  She is survived by son, Tom, and his wife Vickie;  daughters, Ann and Gay; and granddaughters, Dawn and Jessica, along with extended family and friends who will cherish her memory. 

Special thanks go to Maxine’s church family at LifeWAY Church for keeping her in their prayers.

A celebration of Maxine’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026 in the chapel of Ruebel Funeral Home with Brother Freddy Parker officiating. Private burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.