Madison McKenzie Wray

Madison "Maddy" McKenzie Wray, 24, of Chesterfield, VA, passed away on Friday, February 14, 2025, after a courageous battle with Stage IV Cancer. Maddy was a vibrant and intelligent young woman, whose strength and character left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her big brown eyes, naturally curly long brown hair, and sweet smile were just the beginning of her beauty. Maddy's true essence shone through in her infectious positive energy and kind spirit. Her friends and family will remember her as a great listener and giver of sound advice, and someone with a great sense of humor. Her calm demeanor, unforgettable laugh, and loving nature made her impossible not to love.

Maddy's passion for life was evident in her numerous hobbies and achievements. She played softball in her younger years and was a member of the River's Bend Swim Team. She was also a gifted artist, able to freehand draw just about anything for her family and friends. Maddy graduated from Matoaca High School in 2018, and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Conservation, from Virginia Tech, in 2022. She was employed at UPS, starting as a seasonal loader, at the Willis Road location. Most recently, she successfully completed the training and testing to become a UPS Package Car Delivery Driver and was excited to start her new position. Unfortunately, her diagnosis with Stage IV Cancer occurred before she was able to begin the new role.

Maddy had love for the great outdoors, finding solace and joy in nature and the ocean. Her love and compassion for all creatures, great and small, was evident in her care for her beloved dog, Chloe, her cat, KeKe, her fish, and snail. A devoted environmentalist, she was committed to protecting our planet and reducing her carbon footprint, always inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. She enjoyed white water rafting in the summer and going to the gym with her friends, and she had hopes of traveling the world to experience new cultures. She loved trying new foods and snacks, rewatching and quoting her favorite series - Harry Potter, Twilight, and Friends - and listening to a wide variety of music.

She is preceded in death by her Paternal Grandmother, Virginia Povich Bowman; and her Paternal Grandfather, Ronald Vaden Bowman, Sr.

Maddy is survived by her Mother, Linda Denise Wray; her Father, Brian Michael Bowman; her Maternal Grandmother, Alice Hoff Wray; her Maternal Grandfather, Richard "Buddy" Allen Wray (Paige); and by her Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Family and Friends.

We are profoundly grateful for the joy Maddy brought into our lives during her short time on this earth. She was a gentle, humble, and passionate soul, a true "Wray of Sunshine" whose Presence will leave a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to have known her.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home - Chester Chapel.