On December 6, 1926, a baby girl was born to Richard Ray and Minnie Ellis in Grapeland, Texas. She was named Risa Ray.  She was the third of eight children.

Risa was raised in Lovelady and Friday Community.  She attended schools in Lovelady ISD.

She accepted Christ early in life and united with Pine Grove Baptist Church where she sang in the choir. She was a member for 57 years.

She married Tom Neal in Holy Matrimony.

Risa worked as a Domestic worker, cook, Housekeeping in a Hotel.

On November 26, 2016 at Winfield Healthcare Center, Crockett, Texas, Risa was called home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Minnie Ray; husband, Tom Neal; daughter in infancy; six brothers, Roosevelt Ray, Joe Franklin Ray, Richard Ray, Jr., Harry Ray, Wiley Ray and Alfred Ray; three sisters, Lillie, George Ann & Joyce Ann Ray.

She leaves to cherish her memories: two nephews, Joe Ray (Bobby), Roosevelt Ray (Wendy); ex sister-in-law, Willie Pearl Watson, all of Houston, Texas and a host of nieces, and nephews.