On December 20, 1929 a beautiful baby was born to Theodore and Mahuldie Gray. She was given the name of Minie Lee Gray (Bae Gray). She was born in Marianna, FL which was the Springfield Community, where she also attended school. Minnie accepted Christ at an early age at Springfield AME Church.
Minnie was employed at the Register Meat Company until her parents' health began to fail, and she stopped working to take care of them.
Minnie married Clemmie Russ "Sonny Boy" and two children was born to this union, Patricia Miller and Helen Russ.
Her hobbies were singing in gospel groups, working in her garden, cooking, and fellowshipping with her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three children, Helen Russ, Betty J. Barnes, and Ozie White, three brothers, Charlie Gray, Johnnie Gray, and Roosevelt Gray, one sister Mary L. Duncan, one grandson Devin Miller, three aunts, and one uncle.
On Friday, April 21, 2023, in Jackson Hospital Minnie received her wings. She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Della Mae Gray and Patricia Miller (Darius), two sons, Eugene Pittman and Eddie Charles Russ (Theresa), twelve grandchildren Tabitha Taylor (Timothy), Lisa Peterson, Darius Miller (Enger), Phyllis Jackson, Sabrina Gray-Simkin, Eli Gray, Eddie Charles Russ, Jr., Edward Smith, Kenneth Burch, Shontay Russ, Lakisha Williams, and Michael Williams, 31 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, and one special friend James Blount.
A Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday April 29, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Springfield AME Church located at 4194 Union Road Marianna, FL with Rev. Blanche Godwin, Lonnie Gilbert, Minister Sakima Godwin Bryant and Pastor Hollis McClendon officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with the caring staff of Peoples Funeral Home directing.
The body will lie in state at the church from 1:00 p.m. until funeral time at 2:00 p.m.
Public viewing will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023 from 3 to 6 p.m.
Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket was sent for Ms. Minnie Lee Russ - April 28, 2023
Nikki Eddings sent Blessings Bouquet for Ms. Minnie Lee Russ - April 27, 2023
Our heart felt condolences to the Miller, Peterson, and Taylor family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Sincerely, Daryl and Nikki Eddings
Dmitri Peterson sent Pink Tribute Spray for Ms. Minnie Lee Russ - April 26, 2023
Thank you for the kindness you have shown. Rest in Peace because your spirit will live on forever.
I will never say goodbye to you! I will say till we meet again! Love you forever! Lisa
Rest Well Ms Bay Gray
Praying for you and your family in this time of bereavement,Peace be to her ashes,And may her soul rest in the Pavillion of the most high God,Goodnight Sister Minnie Lee Russ,We will see you in the morning. Blessings Kenneth and Viola Hillman,Port Arthur Texas 🙏
Forever my Angel! Love you always. Tab-Tab
Always in our memory forever!!! May she rest in peace and her spirit lives on forever with family and friends. Thank you for your kindness.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.