Denise Ann (Stewart) Bray

Denise Ann Bray, 62, of The Woodlands, Texas, formerly of DeWitt, Iowa, died peacefully Friday evening, February 2, 2018, at Nexus Specialty Hospital in The Woodlands. She was surrounded by the memories, stories, and love of her family when she passed.

Denise Ann Stewart was born October 16, 1955, in DeWitt to Donald and Lila (Hodson) Stewart. She was a graduate of Central Community Schools, DeWitt. Denise received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Iowa and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Saint Ambrose University, Davenport. She was married to Larry Cleveland from January 29, 1977, until his death on January 13, 1980. She married Steven Robert Bray on September 3, 1983, at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church, Clinton.

Denise had an impressive drive to succeed in all aspects of life and overcome any obstacles. While Denise was working towards earning her Master’s degree, she was a medical technician in Clinton, Iowa, first at Mercy Hospital, then Illini Hospital. After obtaining her MBA, she became Director of Human Resources at Medical Associates in Clinton. As her career progressed, Denise was the Human Resources Director for Lyondell at their plant in Morris, Illinois, and then at their plant in Houston, Texas. She then was the Human Resources Director for Parker Drilling Company in Houston. At the time of her passing, Denise worked in Human Resources for Hexion Chemical, Houston. We, her family, could not be more proud of her and the work ethic she instilled in all of us. 

Denise was a senior member of the Society for Human Resource Management, and St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in The Woodlands. She enjoyed traveling, boating, camping, skiing (former member of the ski patrol in Galena), and spending time with her loving husband and family. She was a role model and inspiration to her family. Her love, guidance, and unwavering support are forever in our hearts.

Surviving are her husband of over 34 years, Steven, of The Woodlands, Texas; her adoring sons, David (Stephanie) Cleveland of Davenport, Iowa, Matthew Bray of DeWitt, Iowa, and Ryan (Cherry) Bray of Friendswood, Texas. Her daughters-in-law are grateful she raised such wonderful young men. Also surviving are her two very precious granddaughters, Emma and Ava Cleveland of Davenport; her beloved mother, Lila Stewart of DeWitt, a brother, Dary (DeeLaine) Stewart of San Diego, California; and numerous family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Stewart, and mother-in-law, Ella Bray.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2018, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 9, 2018, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt with the Rev. Fr. Francis Odoom officiating.  Burial will be at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.
 

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