Sandra Lea Ray Burrell
Sandra Lea Ray Burrell born May 11, 1939, in Sour Lake, Texas to Margaret Ingersol Ray and Stanley Gordon Ray. She married Walter Eugene Burrell in 1958. She had one sister Brenda Ray King, two brothers Leland Marten Ray and Carey Lucas Ray and his wife Joni.
Survivors include Sandra’s three children, daughters, Karen Burrell Reneau and her husband, Charlie; and Kelly Burrell Alton and her husband, Randy; son, Troy Eugene Burrell and his wife, Shelly; grandchildren, Landon Reneau and his wife, Hillary; William Reneau and his wife, Amanda; Lane Stuart; Reid Alton; Mary Alton; Abby Alton; Cameron Burrell and his wife, Lauren; and Cody Burrell and his wife, Cori; great-grandchildren, Eli Reneau; Ella Reneau; Bryar Burrell; and Joseph Dack Burrell; brother, Carey Ray and his wife, Joni; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sandra attended Sour Lake Methodist Church and Sour Lake school district graduating in 1957. During her high school years 1954-1957 she was a member of the Melody Maids – a singing group from Beaumont that traveled all over the world entertaining American service men. Sandra remained involved in the Melody Maids her entire life, acting as Treasurer for many of those years.
Sandra and Eugene worked their rice farm for many years. She would cook daily bringing hot lunches out to the rice fields. During which she was also very involved in the Texas Rice Festival in Winnie, Texas serving as the President in 2006. Eugene retired from farming prior to his death in 2020.
She was also a member of Beta Sigma Phi for over 50 years – a local community sorority.
Sandra was the owner of a dress shop in Fannett, Texas for 17 years called the Cedar Chest. After selling the Cedar Chest she taught school at East Chambers ISD.
Sandra was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Fannett, Texas where she taught First Communion Class and sang in the 11 o’clock mass choir for many years.
To the family, she has been MawMaw for 44 years. Her first love was always her family and PawPaw (Eugene). Her second love was everything sports, especially when her grandchildren were playing. Her third love was the beach, that was her and PawPaw’s happy place. She lived life as fiercely as she loved her family. MawMaw will be loved and missed by her family forever.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of sixty-three years, Walter Eugene Burrell; and siblings, Brenda Ray King and Leland Ray.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Stonewood Hospice and her caregivers for the exceptional care shown to Mrs. Burrell.
Memorial contributions for Mrs. Burrell may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church Building Fund, 9894 Gilbert Road, Beaumont, Texas 77705.
A gathering of Mrs. Burrell’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with her Rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 17, 2025, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 9894 Gilbert Road, Fannett. A private family burial will be held at Landrum Cemetery, Fannett.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- February 17, 2025
- 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary McFaddin Ave.
- 2000, Mcfaddin Avenue, Beaumont, Texas, 77701,
- February 17, 2025
- 6:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Mary Catholic Church-Fannett
- 9894, Gilbert Rd, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
- February 18, 2025
- 10:00 am
So sorry to hear this. I loved her dearly!
Our thoughts and prayers are for you Cary, Joni, and
Family.
Neal & Pat Duncan
I am so sorry for the loss of your Mother. May GOD be with you during this difficult time 🙏😢
Sending my condolences to the entire Burrell family. Mrs. Burrell was one of a kind.
Heaven is a better place now that Aunt Sandra is with them. We love yall and deeply sorry we are not there in support. So many cherished memories. She was an incredible person and what a beautiful family. We would all do better to try and be a little more like the Burrells. With Love Randy, Nicole, Abigail & Olivia.
I’m so sad to hear this, one of the sweetest ladies i know, she was always so nice & cared & loved my children! i always enjoyed watching her root for her grandkids in whatever sport was going on, she was a true HF fan! such a great woman Jesus has in his arms❤️ may you rest in peace sweet lady! keeping her wonderful family in my prayers🙏
Karen,Kelly,Troy so sorry here of the passing of your mother she was a very sweet lady always had a smile on her face. May god hold y’all close and help each one through each day.
To Karen, Kelly & Troy – I extend my sincere condolences to you and your families on the passing of your mom. She was always a delight to talk to. She is now reunited with your dad.
To Karen, Kelly and Troy I extend my condolences to you..Your mom was a strong woman. You all were blessed to have her..Now Mr.Eugene and Ms.Sandra are together again.
Prayers and continued blessings for the family.
I’m sure going to miss MawMaw. She was one of a kind and treated me like I was one of her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed but I know Eugene had been waiting patiently for her arrival so they can continue on in eternal life.
So sorry to hear this news. My condolences to all the family. My families relationship with the Burrell’s goes way back. I never was much of a shopper. Back when Sandra had that little shop in Fannett I could stop in and ask her for advice on a special gift. She always came thru!
I am truly sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to your family.
Sweet Kelly and Family, I loved your mother. She was so kind to me always. I am so sorry for your loss. God, truly has an angel now. Big hugs.
My mother, Audrey, Mallett Merolla was in the Melody maids with Sandra. Mom and Sandra were real close cause they didn’t go to Beaumont high and all the rest of the Melody maids did. And when they travel they go to mass together because everybody else was Presbyterian lol. I just tried calling Sandra and didn’t get an answer cause we’re going to the beach this summer. We will miss her terribly as we miss Eugene, we love you, Sandra.
I’ve loved all of the Rays for a long time. We loved going to the Gulf picnic and getting to eat shrimp Stanley bought for all of us. I knew Sandra was not well, but I had not been to see her. I’m so sorry for all of the family. All were very important people for me.
I’m so sorry to read this. My prayers are with the family God bless you all
Sandra had a beautiful soul. She was so talented, & I loved singing alongside in St. Mary’s Church choir. What a voice! God rest her soul & bless all of you in your time of sorrow.
Oh goodness! Together, Sandra and I were a couple of ‘oldies’ who attended Lamar University and graduated with our BS in Interdisciplinary Studies. She took me and others under her wings and showed us the ropes on campus. Sandra even had us up to the beach cabin one weekend for laughter and fun. We might not have been young sorority pledge sisters, but we did pledge to remember our college days together with a smile. I know Eugene was waiting for her with open arms. Love you always my college sister. ♥️
So many fond memories through the years with Sandra and Eugene Burrell and the entire Burrell family. Lots of conversations about her family, sports, education, skiing, travel and Melody Maids. She even shared her early years of dating and marrying Eugene. 💕 Sandra had a big heart and shared her love with others. When we moved to Hamshire, she was one of the first people we met. Sandra supported the school district and always wanted what was best for the students. We are forever thankful for our friendship with the Burrell family. Sending our deepest condolences to Karen, Kelly, Troy and family.
Bob and Debbie
Our love and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Love, Kenny and Suzie Ortego
I am so sorry to hear that I lost my friend. I know I have lost her a little bit at a time the last few years. Karen, Kelly, and Troy, I am praying for you and your precious families for comfort at this time. May she rest in peace and the perpetual light shine upon her. I love you all!
So sorry to hear of her passing. I loved visiting with her at the Texas Rice Festival. We shared a love of cooking. We are praying for the family.