Tanine E. Bray, also known as “Tee,” was born November 11, 1952, in Brooklyn, N.Y. to the late Helen E. Bray. Tanine loved to work with her hands. She found joy in painting rooms and could patch a hole better than some men she knew. She held a long-time position beside her mother at a toy factory in New York. Little did the factory workers know the items they were painting would one day be considered antiques. Items like the 1975 Star Trek piggy banks.
In 1992, she moved her children to Portsmouth, VA to become a caretaker for her ill mother. Tee held jobs at QVC, Moseberth’s Fried Chicken, and the Portsmouth and Norfolk Quick Shop locations. Although Tee worked hard to care for her mother, she found time to assist in the care of her friend Thelma Lane. She loved to spend time with family and friends. She enjoyed playing board games such as Trouble, Monopoly, and Solitaire.
Tanine was supportive to her children, crazy about her grandchildren and those close to her. She accepted them for who they were. She made sure to be the first to call and sing Happy Birthday to them on their special day. She also loved pets and had several cats and dogs throughout her lifetime. Even when she was sick and memory lapsed, she remembered to often ask about her great-granddog Hazel. Although she had never seen a dolphin outside of a movie or magazine she was fascinated by the wonderful sea creature.
Tee was a die-hard Red Skins (Commanders) fan. She was adamant enough to teach herself how to crochet and knit. She made hats and scarves for friends and loved ones. She took time and enjoyed showing friends difficult crochet patterns. She enjoyed putting puzzles together and shooting pool. One of the fondest memories her grandson, Matthew, has of her is her patiently taking the time to show him how to hold a pool stick.
Tanine was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Bray and Kenneth Bray; two sisters, Elaine Brooks and Eunice Merryman; and her beloved life partner, Ricky Bonner.
Tanine will be missed by special friends. She leaves five children to cherish her memories, her son George I. Bray (New York); three daughters, Tanine H. Harley (Matthew D. Harley), Teresa A. Bray (Angel Walker); and Deanna E. Bray and her youngest son, Kirk E. Bray (Nickila Morgan-Bray) and her precious 12 grandchildren.
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Mary Simms says
January 24, 2024 at 5:51 pmWe Love You and miss you sooooo much Ms.Tee! Rest up my girl!!!!!!
Laquita says
January 28, 2024 at 4:32 pmMay you forever rest in peace Ms Tee. You have such a beautiful soul which I will never forget.
Regina Walker Allen says
January 29, 2024 at 2:46 pmYou were my best friend and will still be my friend myself and my kids will miss you I don’t think there will ever be anyone who can replace you we had so much fun together I love 💞💞💞 you may you RIP Bff
Michaela Walker says
January 29, 2024 at 3:12 pmI you mama Tee I’m going to always remember that smile, your kind heart, the love that you gave me and my family, and of course your dance moves. To the family I love you all and if you all need anything even if it’s just a shoulder I’m here.
Brooklyn says
September 17, 2024 at 10:22 amYes Rest In Peace Grandma we will all miss you very much and in our hearts you will forever be❤️❤️❤️
Georgia Bray/ Grand daughter says
September 28, 2024 at 9:29 amHey grandma, I hope you’re resting well in heaven. Even though I can’t be there with you I hope you’re doing great🙏🏾🙏🏾❤❤❤
Brooklyn Bray/ Grand Daughter says
November 12, 2024 at 12:43 pmHey Grandma I just wish I could be in heaven with you Happy Birthday to you. Just know that we will celebrate your birthday meaning that we will always remember you and miss you and again Happy Birthday Grandma.
Brooklyn says
November 12, 2024 at 12:43 pmHey Grandma I just wish I could be in heaven with you Happy Birthday to you. Just know that we will celebrate your birthday meaning that we will always remember you and miss you and again Happy Birthday Grandma.
Georgia Bray/ Grand daughter says
January 15, 2025 at 1:42 pmHey, I hope you’re doing well in the sky. I’m glad you got your whole family up there but all I can do is be happy for you and pray that you are doing okay.
Brooklyn (her granddaughter) says
February 28, 2025 at 2:49 pmI hope you are ok in heaven and I love and miss you grandma R.I.P