Luray Alessandra "Ray" Tyer

A vibrant spirit who made the most of every moment Luray Alessandra “Ray” Tyer March 18, 1967 – May 9, 2025 Luray Alessandra “Ray” Tyer passed away suddenly on May 9, 2025. Born on March 18, 1967, in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, she was the beloved daughter of James Aloysius Tyer and the late Martha Elizabeth (Scriber) Tyer. Luray was educated in the St. Mary’s County Public School System, where she excelled both academically and athletically as a member of the field hockey team. While still in high school, she attended the Vocational Center and completed a two-year certificate program in Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN). After graduating in 1985, she went on to earn her LPN certification and began her career at the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home. With remarkable determination, Luray worked night shifts while attending the College of Southern Maryland during the day, eventually earning her Registered Nurse (RN) credentials in 1989. Nursing was more than a profession to Luray—it was her calling. Known among family and friends as the “family nurse,” she was often sought after for her knowledgeable and compassionate advice. Throughout her career, she served in numerous hospitals, including Greater Southeast Hospital, Howard University Hospital, Southern Maryland Hospital, and Shady Grove Hospital. As a travel nurse, her compassion and skill touched lives in New York, Las Vegas, Reno, New Mexico, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Boston, and Maryland. Above all, Luray's greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She deeply loved her sons—Justin, Jason, and Jared—and cherished every moment with her grandchildren: Justin Jr., Alyssa, Ezra, and Jason Jr. Her love extended to her entire family, including her father, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. Luray also shared a meaningful and devoted relationship with her life partner, Marlene Malcolm. Luray’s smile lit up the room and she could find humor in the smallest things. In her leisure time, Luray enjoyed the thrill of a good game, especially poker. She was a passionate gambler who loved playing Texas Hold’em, Slots and Pai Gow at the casino. Luray was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Elizabeth Tyer, and her brothers Wayne, Julian, and Kyle. Luray leaves to cherish her memory: her father, James Aloysius Tyer (Grace); sons, Justin (Heather), Jason (Linda), and Jared (Katie); grandchildren, Justin Jr., Alyssa, Ezra, and Jason Jr.; Life Partner, Marlene Malcolm; siblings, Lisa (Paul), Lori (Gene), Tony (Traci), Craig (Kelly), Clint; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Luray’s unwavering strength, warmth, and selfless care touched countless lives. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those who loved her. The family will receive friends on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a funeral service at 7:00 PM with Deacon Joe Lloyd officiating, in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD. Interment will be private. Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.