Toni “TJ” Janelle Ray
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Toni “TJ” Janelle Ray, 40, passed away March 31, 2025. She was born on February 24, 1985 to Lena Ray at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia, Missouri.
Toni was a happy and easy baby to care for. As a toddler, one of her favorite possessions was a purse she took everywhere with her. When she took it to her grandparents’ house, she always came home with a purse full of items collected. Items such as the TV remote, grandma’s work badge, money, hairbrush and anything else she could get her hands on. Her mom made regular trips from their home in Sedalia back to Butler to return the items to her grandmother. One of her grandparents’ favorite stories about Toni was the day there were bringing her home and got a flat tire. Toni was in the car seat dancing to bumping of the tire.
She loved school, reading, drawing and dancing with her friends. She took God as her Savior and was baptized at the age of 14. She was outgoing, talkative, bubbly and quick to make friends. Adulthood was a struggle of addiction for her. But she loved her family and children, and they will all cherish the wonderful memories they have of her.
Toni was preceded in death by her grandparents Janice Ray, Wallace Ray (Dobie), and uncle and namesake Tony Ray.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory mother Lena Ray; brother Teron Ray (Veronica); children Jerzie, Jaizlyn, and Janelle Ray and Brayden Schull; niece Ka’Lia Ray; uncles Wally Ray (Donna) and Pat Ray (Shelli); aunt Sherry Recob; great aunts Nellie Salterfield (Terry), Lorraine Wilkinson, and Rhonda Warren; great uncles Rodney, Floyd and Waymon Young (Linda); her bonus sisters and brothers along with a host of cousins and friends.
Visitation will be 10am, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11am, Friday, April 11, 2025, at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd, Raytown, Missouri 64133.
Lena, and family words seem so empty at a time like this but from my deepest heart, I’m so broken for you to hear of this huge loss. Normal won’t happen for a good bit, but as each day passes God will show you how to proceed. I’m praying peace, and comfort over you, and may the Lord flood each of you with beautiful memories of her sweet uniqueness she brought to your lives. Please accept my deepest condolances.Love you Lena!
Lena, I am so very sorry to hear of your family’s loss. My Prayers are with you and your family 💖
May God grant you peace and comfort in your time of loss. Prayers for you, my friend.
Lena I’m so sorry for you and your families loss may Toni fly High sending prayers to you all
Lena&family,
Proverbs 14:13 NIV
[13] Even in laughter the heart may ache, and rejoicing may end in grief.
There are no words, but know your in our thoughts and prayers. We love you guys!
The kelleys
I’m sorry for you all loss and my prayers are with! You all
Sorry for your loss, Lena. Prayers for you and your family.
Lena,No words can ever replace those we love so dearly,especially our children.May God grant you peace & comfort, & hold you close.
Our sincere prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Lena I am so very sorry for your loss, many thoughts and prayers for you and your family ❤️
Lena, I pray that God wraps his arms around you and your family during this devastatingly difficult time I am so very sad and sorry to hear of this and you will continue to be in my heart and prayers
Lena, I’m so very sorry for your loss. The heartbreak must be unimaginable. I pray that your faith will carry you through this sorrowful time. Prayers of comfort and peace to you and your family.
I offer my heartfelt prayers and condolences and hope that the cherished moments you shared will bring you and your family some comfort.
Praying for you and your family! I’m so glad to get to see you all the other day. Love you and stay strong. 💕🙏
Thinking of all of you during this time. I know the struggles but also know you and the love you all have—for Toni and each other. My sincere condolences in this time. I’ll be thinking of you with much love. I can’t come to the service but please know I’m there in my heart. Love to you all, Tricia
My heart and prayers are with you and the family. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.
I was Toni’s Pop Warner cheer coach. She was a little ray of sunshine and a pleasure to be around. I am so sorry to hear she has passed. I will always remember her as happy and smiling that beautiful smile. She will be missed.
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for Lena and the family on the loss of Toni. I’m holding you all in my heart and sending strength and peace during this unimaginable loss.