Mother Mary R. Gray (98) of Gadsden, Alabama, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024.

“To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heavens”

ECCLESIASTES 3:1

A Time to Be Born…

Mother Mary Ruth Gray was born on January 16, 1926, in Chambers County, Alabama to the late Hubert Ray, Sr and Lemmer Huguley Ray.

A Time to Die…

She departed this life to return to the open arms of her Creator on Saturday, March 2, 2024.

A Time to Love…

She was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Glen Lee Gray on December 22, 1944, and to this union (8) eight children were born.

A Time to Plant…

She received her education at Chambers County Schools in Lafayette, Alabama.

Mother Gray confessed Christ at an early age. Later joined St. Paul Overcoming Church of God under the leadership of the late Elder Gordon, she continued to serve under the leadership of the late Bishop Willie L. Green, Sr. and the current leadership, Bishop Walter Higgins, Jr. where she served as a faithful and devoted servant and also the mother of the church until her health declined.

Mother Gray was a beautiful person, who had a beautiful soul. Everyone graced with her presence came to love her. A woman full of wisdom and knowledge very passionate and always willing to listen, pray and give spiritual advice. She loved singing, reading, going to church, crossword puzzles, watching her Soap Operas and Gunsmoke, quilting, gardening, cooking, canning and caring for her grandchildren when she was able.

A Time to Cry…

She was preceded in death by: her son, Earnest J. Gray; Grandsons, Jerry Bothwell, Keldrick Gray and Terry Jones, Jr.; Granddaughter; Madelyn Davis; Siblings, brothers, Willie Frank Ray, Sr., L.C. Ray and sister, Cathelene Washington.

She leaves to cherish her memories: Seven beautiful children, Marylon Bothwell of Gadsden, AL, Jimmie Lee (Rebecca) Gray, Sr. of Albany, GA, Nadean Dobbs of Gadsden, AL, Michael (Nancy) Gray of San Antonio, TX, Barbara A. (Ronald, Sr.) Kendrick of Gadsden, AL , Charlotte Y. (Bishop Terry) Jones of Gadsden, AL, and Pamela (Johnathan) Byers of Gadsden, AL; One amazing brother, Hubert Ray, Jr. of Lanett, AL and one beautiful bonus sister, Vernia Mae Ray of Gadsden, AL; Grandchildren, Carlos (Bonita) Bothwell, Sr., Andrew Bothwell, Sr., Andre (Kristi) Bothwell, Jimmie Lee Gray, Jr., Marlene Gray, Ronnie L. Pace, Veronica (Johnny) Huff, Erica (Perry) Williams, Derrick (Maria) Gray, Steven Gray, Angelica Gray, Michael J. Gray, Rhonda Kendrick Martin, Antwan Kendrick, Ronald (Latoya) Kendrick Jr., Bernard (Aja) Kendrick, Dexter (Cody) Davis, Jr., Latoria Davis, Paris Jones, Frederick Gray, Jr., Jarvis (Diana) Parker, Reuna (Dylan) Parker-Brown and Javier Byers; (41) forty-one great grandchildren and (10) ten great-great grandchildren; A host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

In person Condolences with the family will be Friday, March 8, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at St. Paul Overcoming Church of God 523 Pioneer St. Gadsden, Al. 35903

Funeral services will be Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 12:00 noon at the Abundant Life Church 323 S.12th Street, Gadsden, Al. 35901

Eulogist: Bishop Terry A. Jones

Interment: Lincoln Hills Memorial Park.

Professional services entrusted to: West Gadsden Funeral Home, Inc. 256.549.0004

“Your Bridge Over Troubled Waters”