Jean Harvey

Obituary For Jean Harvey

Jean Gray Harvey was born on January 22, 1937 on Humphrey Street in Memphis, TN to the late Joseph Gray, Jr. and William Etta Avery Gray.

She attended Porter School and was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, class of 1954. She earned a bachelor’s degree from LeMoyne College.

Jean married Daniel Harvey, and to this union one son was born in 1958, Jerrod Daniel Harvey.

Following college, she embarked on what would become a 37-year career as an elementary school teacher with the legacy Memphis City School system. She served at a number of schools across the city, with her final assignment being at Walker Elementary School. Jean educated and mentored hundreds of young people over the course of her career. Nothing pleased her more than being approached by former students who had become successful adults and who thanked her for being influential in their lives.

Jean greatly enjoyed traveling, spending time with her family and friends and serving her community. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and regularly could be found socializing and attending events at the Ruth E. Tate Senior Center.

Jean was a faithful communicant of Emmanuel Episcopal Church for more than 70 years. She served in many capacities there, including as a member of the Altar Guild, the Episcopal Churchwomen, the St. Luke Guild and the choir. She was also a masterful fundraiser for her church. Over the years she helped to organize and host a variety of special programs and events for the church, including countless teas, prayer brunches, fashion shows, banquets and music concerts. Her keen artistic and creative skills always helped to make those events memorable and “the talk of the town.”

Jean Gray Harvey passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, surrounded by her family. She is survived by her devoted son, Jerrod Daniel Harvey, her beloved brother, Dr. Joseph Gray, III (Jacquelyn), her niece, JayLynn Gray, her nephews, Joseph Gray, IV, Jeffery Gray and Jerron Gray (Julia), three Godchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, her three siblings, Geraldine, Jacqueline and Janice, and her nephew, Jerome.

As a way to honor Jean Gray Harvey’s life and legacy, and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to: Emmanuel Episcopal Church 4150 Boeingshire Drive Memphis TN 38116

Visitation and Funeral Monday March 17, 2025, Visitation 10:00a.m. - 11:30a.m., Funeral service 12noon all services will be held at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 4150 Boeingshire Drive Memphis TN 38116 with an Interment to be held at Elmwood Cemetery.