Jerri Dean Gray was born July 14, 1945 in Natchez, Mississippi to the late Clarence and Francis Washington. She took flight with the angels on November 1, 2024, after a lengthy illness at Deaconess Select Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
Mama Jerri, as she was affectionately called, accepted Christ as her savior at an early age and joined New Hope Baptist Church. In her adult years, she became a member of Independence Baptist Church where she was the songbird of the choir until her health failed her.
Jerri graduated from Rietz High School. Jerri had worked as a CNA at Turtle Creek Now known as the Protestant Home and for Visiting Nurse Plus. Jerri retired from Qualex Photo Finishing as a Film Developer
She had a laugh and smile that was contagious and never met a stranger. She had a heart to serve not only at church but in the community. She was always spiritually moved by angels and collected them as a loving hobby. She loved watching her cowboy and crime shows. Her home, located in the Tepe Park community was the hang-out spot for the neighborhood children where she prepared home-cooked meals, gave love, and guidance, and even gave tough love as a parent when needed. You knew she meant business if she called your parents because you weren't doing right. She made a positive impact on so many children that she always called them her "babies" even into adulthood.
On October 18, 1969, she married Lacy Gray, and to this union, three children were born.
She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory: her husband of 55 years, Lacy Gray; two daughters Lisa Gray and Jeri (Everett) Browder of Evansville, IN; her sister Kathleen Wilson of Dallas, TX; brother-in-laws Douglas Gray of Sturgis, KY; George Gray(Janice) of Battlecreek, MI; Johnny Gray of Forth Worth TX; sisters-in-law, Hazella Kelley of Forth Worth, TX and Beulah Gray of Houston, TX. She will also be remembered by her grandson, her heart, Samuel aka Sammie Browder; a host of bonus children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends.
In addition to her parents, Jerri was preceded in death by her infant son, Jeffery Gray; six brothers; three sisters; and two brother-in-laws.
Proverbs 31:10 "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies."
Matthew 11:28 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Visitation will be held Saturday from 10 to 11 am with the funeral to begin at 11 am all at Independence Baptist Church, burial at Oak Hill Cemetery.
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