Javian Monroe Gray, lovingly known as “JJ,” was born on March 19, 2006, to Fredrick Wendell Gray and Kimberly Sherese Barnes Gray. He departed this life on May 17, 2025, at WakeMed Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina.
JJ accepted Christ at an early age at The Gathering Place in Raleigh, North Carolina, under the leadership of the late Bishop Ralph D. Graves. There, he served faithfully as a member of the Christian Arts Ministry, Media Team, and Youth Choir.
He attended Willow Springs High School in Willow Springs, North Carolina, and graduated in January 2024. JJ briefly played football, where his family could be heard enthusiastically cheering, “We love our #28!” at his games. He also had a passion for dancing and gaming, and he proudly earned a black belt in Taekwondo.
JJ was outgoing and full of energy—so much so that he once received the “Never a Dull Moment” class award. He never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel welcome. He loved being outdoors, taking walks, and was intentional about spending quality time with his family and friends.
His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his vibrant spirit. JJ will be remembered for the bright light he was and the impact he made on everyone around him. His life was one marked by love, compassion, and kindness.
JJ shared a deep, loving bond with his siblings and a close relationship with his mother and father. He is survived by his loving parents, Fred and Sherese Gray of Fuquay-Varina, NC; his siblings, Allison Janae Gray and Aaron Jamaal Gray of Fuquay-Varina; his half-brother, Brandon Wendell Williams of Jackson, MS; his grandmothers, Zelma Gray of Benton, MS, and Delois Barnes of Satartia, MS; and his adoptive grandparents, Wade and Juliette Wall of Cary, NC. He also leaves behind a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Monroe Gray and J.V. Barnes, Sr.
Those who knew JJ will forever remember his infectious smile, his joyful laughter, and his unwavering willingness to help others.
Visitation: 10:00 - 11:00 am Saturday, May 24, 2025, at The Gathering Place in Raleigh, NC 27610.
Funeral will be held 11:00 am Saturday, May 24, 2025, at The Gathering Place, 3500 Woodmeadow PKwy in Raleigh, NC 27610.
Burial: Wake Chapel Memorial Gardens, 905 Wake Chapel Rd, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526
Callie Opulski sent Sunny Memories for Javian Monroe Gray - May 20, 2025
JJ was such a kind and caring soul his smile was so contagious he always loved making everyone happy and laughing, he always loved helping too. He will never be forgotten. I can still remember when I was at the gym and couldn't reach the bar and he helped me and trained me and always had the best attitude while he was in there, I will never forget him ❤️
Sherese and Gray family I am sorry for the loss of JJ. I remember him in pre-K and throughout his school year. He was so kind and respectful. I will be praying for you guys and if anything that you need, please let me know. I love you, Sherese.
Javian was one of the best people I have ever met. I met him through a friend and we clicked instantly. He was always there for me anytime I needed him, he would just sit on FaceTime with me if I needed his company, he would always make me laugh by yelling at his game and then I would bust out laughing and hear him join in,and I swear he was always buying new headsets or getting unlucky with the ones he bought. And soon in all the chaos I grew to love him and not long after that I would find myself only wanting to talk to him and I would make him call me on the way to work so I knew he got there safe, and telling him to stretch because lifting boxes can still strain your muscles and that's when I realized I fell in love with him. I'm so glad we stayed friends after everything because I was and will forever be grateful I got the chance to receive the love he was so full of.
To Fred and the Gray Family - We want to express our deepest condolences, support and prayers at this difficult time. From all of your FedEx family at RDU
My heart goes out to your family. May God wrap you in his loving arms during this difficult time.
I did not know JJ but my daughter attended school with him. I am saddened to see such a handsome kind soul has left us. My family and I are sending our deepest condolences and prayers for you all.
Fred, Sherese and Family we are praying for you that God's Grace be your comfort during these difficult times.
The Chapman's
To know you was to love you. I am beyond honored to have crossed paths with you. Thank you for allowing me to be a safe place where you could be yourself. I will forever remember your boundless curiosity—the way you always sought answers, believing that nothing simply happened or existed without reason.
Your inquisitive nature, your passion for understanding, and the way you approached life with such wonder have left a lasting mark on my heart. My life has been richer, and more meaningful, because I had the privilege of knowing you
When I was younger, JJ and I went to taekwondo together. One time, I forgot my shoes, and he was so sweet—he let me wear his to the car. Once I got in the car, after he had walked on hot concrete, he took his shoes back. That description shows how thoughtful and caring JJ was just from the start of me knowing him. I saw him at the bus stop every morning with me, him, and Noah in middle school. One time, it snowed, and they kept sliding on the ice. They both laughed it off and kept going until they were limping onto the bus. JJ also once took my speaker and would make dance moves while he and Noah freestyled. Every morning, it was something new.
Throughout middle school, after we got dropped off, we'd sit on the brick sign and talk. We used to go on walks with my dogs when we were younger, though he was scared of the bigger dogs. One time, he even texted me to sneak out and ride his new four-wheeler, which he was so excited about.
From 6th grade to 8th grade, sophomore year to senior year, I had classes with him. We especially shared weightlifting, where he never let me give up, and our Spanish classes filled with his funny comments and conversations. His contagious laugh and smile were always present, and we were each other's biggest cheerleaders, even after distance separated us.
To the sweet boy down the street, you'll be missed by everyone, and we love you. May you rest in peace. You'll always be remembered and missed. I'm still cheering you on. My condolences and prayers to his family. ❤️
To the entire family, I am so, so sadden of your loss my continued prayers are with you all at this present time .
Thoughts and Prayers to all family & friends. So sorry for your loss.
sending my condolences to this family as yall go through this very hard time. JJ meant alot to me, i remember sharing a class with him and always laughing and having the best times. He was always so genuine and welcoming to everyone and never had a bad thing to say about anybody. gonna miss you JJ fly high.
Javian, one of the kindest, brightest, funniest people I could've come across. Ever since kindergarten I knew him to be so genuine and always thinking of others before himself. He was so compassionate with a loving spirit, and whenever we would see each other randomly in middle school and high school, I would see such an enthusiastic expression with the excitement in his voice saying "What's up Clarissa? How've you been?" You, Javian, were a light in a dark place. It hurts to see you go so soon my sweet friend. But rest now. We love you so much. My condolences to the family and other close friends.
I've known jj for 3 years and out of those 3 years I learned so much about him. He would never fail to make you smile and everywhere he went he always had a bright smile and always a big laugh. He always wanted to make sure you were alright before him, he was just there. We always played basketball, joked around and I'm gonna forever cherish them memories. He made a big impact on this world and that will never change. Rest easy JJ until we meet again love you bro❤️
You were such a bright person JJ. I remember when i first met you. I'm glad to have celebrated your birthday with you by sending you a cake. Talking to you when me and aaron would be in calls. The times I'd see you when i flew down in NC for aaron. You were such a sweet, funny, caring boy. Thank you for being an amazing brother towards Allison and Aaron. Thank you for welcoming me in your family, you'll always be remembered. Miss you JJ and the little interactions.
Our deepest condolences.
I can't even begin to believe that such a kind hearted young man left this world way too early. I know we haven't talk in a few years but there was never a dull moment with Javian, sending my condolences to his family and his friends ❤️
JJ was one of the first people that taught me how to be a friend. He never failed to make me smile even in the dullest moments. My absolute heart is with his family right now. He will be deeply missed
My deepest condolences to the Gray family sending the family our prayers JJ will forever live in our hearts forever rest in peace my sweet angel love you
JJ was a great friend and grew very close to my heart he always brightened the day with his laugh and wonderful personality not to mention his smile that lit up the entire room, this hurts to know someone so wonderful was taken from us so soon, many condolences to the family
JJ never failed to make someone laugh. He was so genuine and just a light in everyone's life. I'm forever praying and forever grateful for him.
JJ was such a kind person, he left smiles wherever he went, he always made people laugh without fail. he was one of my best friends through elementary and middle school and every single memory i will hold close with me, the silly nicknames we had for each other don't seem so silly anymore, i'll miss you always jolly rancher.
JJ, or Javian as I knew him was the kindest and funniest guy I ever knew. We met each other in elementary school and he always showed true confidence within myself. I haven't reached out to him much since then but I offer condolences and prayers to his family as they get through these tough times.
My heart and prayers go out to the Gray family during this difficult time. JJ was truly one of the kindest people I've ever known. He was a friend to me when I didn't have many, believed in me when I didn't believe in myself, and always knew how to make me laugh. He made the world a brighter place just by being in it and I am forever grateful for all the memories I have with him. He will be missed greatly
Whenever I think of JJ I think of his insanely contagious laugh and smile. Whenever JJ was around, there couldn't be an ounce of sadness inside of you. He brings so much joy to the people around him. Rest in peace brother❤️
Gray family we send our sincere prayers and condolences to you our hearts are bro king still in disbelief Ohio was going to miss JJ. I can be sitting on my front porch and won't be long out JJ. If you don't speak, he'll waive his hand wide and high so I can see him that beautiful bright smile so full of life and energy you can feel the love and that smile was contagious ...Take your rest JJ until we meet again.. Love the Surles Family.
I dont know him nor ever even seen him but prayers and my condolences seems like a very sweet kid and such a sad loss stay strong💗
Losing you doesn't feel real, you made everyday so much brighter and could make anyone smile or laugh. I love you so much Jj 💗
Forever praying for this family.
Sending prayers to you and yours at this difficult time.
My sincere sympathies. May GOD continue to keep your family in his arms of love, comfort, and strength. 💙🙏🏾💙🙏🏾
Sending my deepest & most heartfelt condolences to Javian's Family. Such a friendly soul and amazing person. I'll never forget all the memories we made & growing up with you down the street 🥺 you'll deeply be missed Javian
I love you always JJ, you were so loved by all❤️ your contagious smile and spirit will always be remembered ❤️
Jj I'm gonna miss you so much! You were a great friend to me and you were always there. I pray that you're watching over us and you're happier now. We shared so many different conversations. I'm going to miss that big smile you always had on your face. I love you 💕 my condolences to the family! Will be praying over you and your family Jj 🫶🏽
I am so sorry for the loss of your baby boy auntie Sherese and Fred. My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
wow, i can't even start to believe this is real, from being in weight training and you always pushing me to do better. i'm sorry to his family and saddened to know that saturday will be our last goodbye. live long, fly high❤️😢
One time when Javian came over to my house when we were in elementary school, we played the Wii for hours and then ate spaghetti for dinner. Though we didn't hang out much recently, the memory of that night is one I won't ever forget. Thank you for bringing joy to so many people.
We love you 5L JJ💖 We will always remember you, very sweet young man my deepest condolences
Oh sweet JJ, you were taken from this world too soon. You always could make anybody smile and laugh on their worst days. Thank you for being an amazing friend. God has you now🩷
Condolences 💐
My deepest condolences goes out to the gray family you guys truly had an amazing son , jj was a social butterfly ❤️
To my nephew Fred and his wife Sheree my condolences to you and the family. My God give you strength during the difficult days ahead. Aunte loves all of you. Stay strong!🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Prayers to JJ's family during this hard time. There truly was never a dull moment around him, when i was alone & bullied in middle school JJ always made it his job to always make everyone feel welcomed and always seen the good in people. He will be missed.🤍
Our hearts are broken along with yours. Our sincere prayer of comfort is prayed daily for you with love, hope and expectation of the resurrection in Christ Jesus.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.