Mary Elizabeth Gray, 89 of Kimball passed away on Sunday, May 4 with her loving family by her side.
Mary was a beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted servant of God who peacefully passed away at her home. Leaving behind a legacy of faith, love and creativity. She was a cherished matriarch whose gentle spirit and unwavering kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
A lifelong Christian, Mary was deeply rooted in her faith. She taught Sunday school for many years, sharing the Word of God with generations of children and inspiring others with her quiet strength and devotion. Her church family was an extension of her own, and she served faithfully in many roles throughout her life.
Mary worked as a talented seamstress at the local knitting mill, where her skill and dedication earned her the respect of her coworkers. After retiring, she continued to pour her heart into the things she loved most—gardening, painting, crafting and music. Whether she was tending to her flowers, creating something beautiful with her hands, or humming a favorite hymn, Mary brought joy and light into every space she entered.
She will be remembered for her gentle guidance, her creative soul, as well as her steadfast love for her family and her Lord. Mary’s legacy lives on in the lives she shaped, the lessons she taught and the beauty she left behind.
She was preceded in death by her husband Wilson Gray, parents James Baxter Henderson and Florence Elizabeth Martin Henderson, sisters Thelma Gudger, Ruth Gudger, Anita Hampton, brothers James Henderson and Clifford Henderson, and a great granddaughter Zoe Walden.
Survivors include her brother Charles (Hannelore) Henderson, children Mike Walden, Gayla Pilson, Darrel (Lisa) Walden, grandchildren David (Trina) Walden, Duane (Sarah) Blalock, Kerry (Byran) Bailey, Brian (Sammantha) Blalock, Tiffanie Mosley, Joe (Caitlin) Walden, Michael (Maggie) Walden, 16 great grandchildren, six great-great children and her niece and best friend, Minerva Gudger.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 8 at 2 p.m. at the Jasper Chapel of Rogers Funeral Home, with Pastor Ronnie Case who officiated.
Mrs. Gray was laid to rest with her beloved husband, Wilson Gray at Sequatchie Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jasper.
Visitation was also held on Thursday, May 8 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. prior to the funeral service in the Jasper Chapel.
Pallbearers were Brian Blalock, Caden Blalock, Drew Jones, Buck Gudger, Tommy Henderson and Bryan Bailey.
Arrangements were entrusted to Rogers Funeral Home, Jasper Chapel, 21 East Fifth Street, Jasper, Tennessee, 37347 (423) 942-2682.
The Marion Tribune – May 8, 2025
