Our Precious "Nana", Helen Lorine McCool Landers Ray, of Sheridan, Arkansas age 88 died July 27, 2009 at Woodland Hills Nursing Home, Jacksonville, Arkansas. There will be a great reunion in Heaven with those who have gone before her.

She was born January 17, 1921 in Sheridan, Arkansas to the late J. Bennie and Jewel Vanlandingham McCool. She was pre-deceased by two sisters, Lucille Kelley of Star City and Maxine Choate of Sheridan. Her first husband John H. Landers died in 1972. Their beloved only child, John B. Landers died in 1987. She and Mr. Landers lived in Pine Bluff for 34 years where she retired as a Civil Services Employee at the Pine Bluff Arsenal in 1979. She returned to Sheridan and married Thurman Ray in 1976. Mr. Ray died in 1993. She was also predeceased by a step-son, Clyde Ray.

She is survived by her sister, Faye Sandstrum (Jim) of Searcy, daughter-in-law, Pat Landers Matthews (Edwin) of Jacksonville and grandson, John Collins Landers, great grandson John Colby Landers of Lenexa, Kansas and a grandson, Daniel Lee Landers, great granddaughter, Samantha Landers and great grandson Jackson Landers of Little Rock.

She was a wonderful "Aunt Rab" to her sister's children, Marilyn Vandegrift (George), Carolyn Porter, Sherry Choate Hunt, Cindy Person, Jimmy Grimes and Barbara Cohlmia.

She is survived by her step-daughter, Kay Beatty of Ico, step-son, Mac Ray (Betty) of Murfreesboro. She also leaves step grandchildren and their families, Doney (Rhonda) Blackerby, Joe Ellis Blackerby (Gail), Thomas Blackerby (Jane), and Linda Kaye Semelka (Frank), Keith Ray, Jennifer Ray Newton, Todd Ray, Travis Ray, Randy Ray (Terry), Kevin Ray (Lena),Reagan Brown(Ricky) and Heidi Matthews. She also leaves a host of many friends and large extended family of nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and great grandchildren who called her "Nana" for over 30 years who will remember her with love.

Mrs. Ray was a faithful member of First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Sheridan and the Grace Sunday School Class. Special thank you to the wonderful staff of Woodland Hills Nursing Home in Jacksonville, where our "Nana" received wonderful care the past 2 years. Special thank you to Mrs. Vicky McElwrath of Arkansas Hospice.

Memorials may be made to First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 402 West Center, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150 or Lost Creek Cemetery Association, P.O.Box 514, Sheridan Arkansas 72150.

Funeral services will be 10:30 A.M. Thursday, July 30, 2009 at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Doney Blackerby officiating. Burial will follow at Lost Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Dan Landers, Collins Landers, Edwin Matthews, Joe Blackerby, Thomas Blackerby, Mark Blackerby and Aaron Blackerby.