Linda Kay Gildersleeve Bray's Obituary
Linda Kay Gildersleeve Bray passed away peacefully in Katy, TX on June 6, 2023 at the age of 82.
Born to Jack and Kay Gildersleeve on September 29, 1940 in International Falls, MN, she was
the oldest of two.
Linda moved to Whittier, CA with her family at the age of 5. She graduated with honors from
California High School. As a high school junior, she unexpectedly met the love of her life, Jim
Bray. Jim mistakenly attended a Spanish class Linda was in. It was the best mistake he ever
made! They fell in love quickly and married July 11, 1959. They were blessed with four children,
Cyndi, Jim, Dan and Don. On October 26, 1974 the family was sealed for Time and Eternity in
the Oakland, California temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After raising
their family in California, Jim and Linda retired to Leeds, UT where they lived for the next 29
years. Linda loved her home and the beautiful red rock that surrounded them. They made
many beloved friends there that they were sad to leave when they moved to Katy, TX almost
one year ago.
Linda loved music and she was a talented singer/songwriter. She was a member of the
Southern Heritage Choir in St. George, UT for many years. She traveled with the choir to
perform in other parts of the world. She made many friends in that choir that she loved dearly.
Linda’s love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ was shown through a lifetime of service. She was a
faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in many
different callings while sacrificing her time and talents to the building up of the Kingdom of
God. Linda and Jim, together, served a mission for the church for 18 months. They were tour
guides for all the church’s historical sites in St George UT, including the St George Tabernacle,
the Brigham Young home, the Jacob Hamblin home and the St George temple visitors center. It
was during this time that Linda was asked to perform solo concerts in the St George Tabernacle.
She loved doing that.
Linda and Jim traveled the world together. Family vacations with their children and other family
members included numerous trips to the family cabin in California, Hawaii and spending several
summers on the houseboat at Lake Powell. Those priceless memories will never be forgotten.
However, Linda’s greatest legacy of and pride and joy, are her 4 children, 14 grandchildren and
21 great grandchildren. She loved her family and always made the time with them special. Linda
loved completely and unconditionally. She was always there to provide a loving shoulder. She
truly united our family. We will always remain grateful for that legacy of love. No doubt the
song that memorializes her life best is “Lean on Me,” by Bill Withers. At most family gatherings
she would lead us together in singing that song.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents and daughter in law, Susan Bray. She will be deeply
missed and her memory will be cherished by her loving, devoted husband of 64 years, James F
Bray, her 4 children...Cyndi (Mike) Skye, Jim (Shannon) Bray, Dan (Cathy) Bray, Don (Rose
Marie) Bray, her brother, Gary (Donna) Gildersleeve, her 14 grandchildren and 21 great
grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held in her honor on July 1, 2023 at 10:00am at The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1928 Drexel, Katy, TX 77493. A viewing will be held prior to the
service at 9:00am. Immediately following the service, there will be a graveside ceremony at
Katy Magnolia Cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?
