Melissa (Lisa) Diane Bray's Obituary
Melissa (Lisa) Diane Bray, 66 years young of Decatur, Illinois passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Lisa was born in Colbert County, Alabama on September 4, 1959, to Shirley Inman and K.C. Davis. She was fortunate enough to be raised by Shirley and Kenneth O'Dell. Lisa was small in build but mighty in heart. She knew no stranger.
Lisa graduated from Lakeview High School in 1977. Most recently, Lisa enjoyed spending as much time as possible traveling with Terry. There is nothing she loved more than watching her Bud, Brayson, who she cherished more than life itself.
Lisa spent most of her career taking care of others, most notably managing the operations of the 48 Inn from 1992-2011.
During Lisa's early childhood, her family relocated from Alabama to Illinois. It was during her teenage years, she met the man who became the love of her life, Terry Dean. With Terry came a family who loved Lisa as their own. Terry and Lisa enjoyed live music, often attending festivals and concerts together. Peaceful evenings on the back deck brought them tremendous joy. She enjoyed Terry's cooking, most importantly, his burnt late night snacks. She loved the outdoors, especially wildlife and their beloved pets. Eventually, their love for sports trickled down into their daughters.
Lisa's friends and family meant the world to her. She enjoyed watching and wrangling her beloved daughters throughout their young lives, including their sports endeavors. Not only did she pour into her daughters, but continuously nurtured Erica and Lindsey's friends throughout their childhood and adult lives. Lisa instilled independence in both of her daughters. Lisa was grateful for her two bonus grandchildren, Drew and Addy Armbrister who always held a special placed in her heart. There was no greater love for MawMaw Mustache than embracing the love of her life, Bray. In their short time together, they enjoyed making everlasting memories. All three of her grandchildren brought her tremendous joy.
Lisa is survived by her mother, Shirley O'Dell of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, beloved husband, Terry of Decatur, beautiful daughters Erica Armbrister of Johnson City, Tennessee and Lindsey (Dustin) Lawler of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; siblings Steve (Kathy) Davis, Kim (Jimmy) Ledlow, Tom (Pam) Bray, Renee Burdick, Gina Bray, Wayne (Dorothy) O'Dell, and Deloris (James) Brooks; bonus grandchildren Drew and Addy Armbrister, grandson Brayson Dean Lawler and a host of nieces and nephews. She leaves behind an extensive network of special friends and family who were near and dear to her heart.
She is preceded in death by her father Kenneth O'Dell and parents in love, Lewis and Carrol Bray.
The special attention, kindness, and care the nurses at Barnes Jewish Hospital paid to Lisa will never be forgotten.
While her health and her heart should have taken precedent, she continued to prioritize the happiness of others. Her persistence, determination, and selfless demeanor will live on through her family and friends forever.
A visitation to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 2 to 4 pm, at the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated on behalf of Brayson Lawler. They may be made in the name of Lindsey Lawler.
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