Ida Faye Braye, age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at her home. Faye was born to loving parents, Mr. Selth and Mrs. Myron Henderson, in Paris, Texas, on March 24th, 1940. She attended Powderly grade school system in Paris, Texas. She and her family later moved to Topeka, Kansas. There, she attended the Topeka school system. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at an early age at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Topeka where she sang in the choir and served in other ministries. She met and married Mr. Bradford Braye who was serving in the United States Air Force. In 1968, Faye, Bradford and their two children, Joseph and Renee, relocated to Abilene, Texas. Abilene became her home for 58 years thereafter. Faye worked as a housekeeper for much of her life and jokingly referred to herself as a "domestic engineer," and she proudly kept working until she was 82 years old. Her job meant more to her than just financial compensation, The Dwayne Chitwood and Joe Hodges families became Faye's extended family, and that connection has lasted for generations. One lighthearted yet unexpected side of Faye was her love of a friendly competition. In her earlier years, she bowled in a league and took great pride in her game. Later in life, that competitive spirit found its way into her living room through Wii Sports. She was known to invite family and friends over for a round of Wii bowling, and she would not let them leave until she had beaten them at the game at least once. She intentionally spent time with her friends by playing card games and dominoes with them. In her free time at home, she enjoyed gardening and making sure that her yellow house looked pristine inside and outside. Her home was always ready to receive family and friends. Faye was a faithful and devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church. She served her church and community in many roles, including Church Mother, President of the Usher Board, Head of the Decorating Committee, and as a member of the Citywide Ushers of Abilene. Faye had a strong desire to care for others and meet their needs. She expressed her love through action in every area of her life. Thoughtful and prepared, she seemed to think of everything, always arriving with something extra just in case it was needed. She took pride in doing each task to the very best of her ability, often insisting on handling things herself. Her efforts reflected her steady determination and the unwavering work ethic that defined her life. Faye has made an impact on her committee's church history as a founding member of Galilee Baptist Church. Prior to Shiloh, many of her years of service to the Lord took place at Antioch CME Church and Holiday Hills Baptist Church in Abilene. Her heart was devoted to the Usher Board, and she served at each church she was a part of. She loved each church home dearly and supported the churches in their endeavors for decades to follow. Faye never let her age play a factor in her activity level. She found joy in going to Planet Fitness multiple times a week, taking on movement challenges the gym held monthly. Even in her health decline after having a stroke at the beginning of 2023, once recovered, Faye joined the Rose Park Senior Center. There, she enjoyed playing (and usually winning) a game of Bingo, singing with the gospel choir, participating with the Rose Park Cardio Drumming group, and happily shared lunch with her new group of friends that were always so kind and welcoming toward her, especially Ms. Clayrene. Faye's connection to her family meant everything to her. Every Sunday morning, as often as her body would allow, was spent in the house of the Lord. After church, her family would meet at her house to eat and watch football or a movie together. If her family came over any other day of the week, Faye would say, "Today feels like Sunday," because of how solidified and important that weekly tradition was to her. She and her sisters kept up a multi decade long tradition of calling each other on Saturday evenings. Though they lived states apart, there was no doubt that the siblings would check in with one another routinely. Faye took building memories seriously and preferred to create fond memories through traveling. She visited multiple states, islands and countries throughout her life and never let an ailment hinder her from living life to the fullest. She attended a family cruise to Mexico in November of 2025 and talked about her wonderful vacation until her final days. She is survived by her daughter, Renee Braye; her bonus daughter, Lakendra Henderson both of Abilene; and her beloved grandchildren, Tamika, Deric, Michael, Clifton, Nicole, and CJ. She is also survived by her sisters, Lillie Hooks and Reda Bradley of Omaha, Nebraska. Faye had eight loving great grandchildren, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Along with a host of dear friends and church family. Faye is also survived by her beloved dog, Buddy. She was preceded in death by her son, Joseph Henderson, oldest sister Elice Lightfoot, Bradford Braye, her parents, and brothers Atrel Henderson, Selth Henderson Jr., Eddie Saunders, and Thomas Henderson. Funeral services will be held on the following dates: Visitation: Friday February 20th 6:00 to 8:00 PM at North's Funeral Home 242 Orange Street Abilene, Texas 79601 Funeral: February 21st 10:00 AM at Shiloh Baptist Church 1366 Ash Street Abilene, Texas 79601 Interment: Elmwood Memorial Cemetery 5750 US Highway 277 South Abilene, Texas 79606