Gerry Kay Gray

It is with heavy hearts and teary eyes that we announce the passing of Gerry Kay Gray, 81, who left us peacefully, surrounded and comforted by her family, on June 11 in Arlington, Texas.

Gerry was born on January 16, 1943, in Enid, Oklahoma, to William (Bill) and Mildred (Sally) Atkins. She graduated from Enid High School in 1961 and earned both her bachelor’s degree in 1965 and her master’s degree in 1967 in education from Phillips University in Enid, OK. She married her college sweetheart, David Gray, on December 19, 1964.

In Enid, Gerry began her teaching career with second grade at Jackson Elementary. She went on to teach at various schools across Enid. In her free time, with friends, she formed the Melody Makers at FUMC Enid, performing music across northern Oklahoma and even singing at the Annual Conference.

In 1981, Gerry and David moved to Arlington, TX. Gerry became heavily involved at FUMC Arlington, eventually becoming the children’s choir director, and retiring after over 20 years. She also taught kindergarten at the church for nine years. During those years, she played piano for many services, events, performances, and choir trips. Gerry had a true passion for music and sharing it with others.

Gerry wore many hats and wore them all with pride and passion. She gave generously of her time and talents, always available for those in need and tirelessly ensuring everyone was cared for. She loved to entertain and never missed a chance to host a party or have friends over to play cards or Scrabble. She had a true knack for hospitality.

She was a loving mother of three. She always managed to make time for every baseball game, cheerleading event, wrestling match, and pep rally. She also passed on her passion for education, as her children pursued higher education. Into adulthood, she supported her children in all their endeavors. She was also the very best mother-in-law to their spouses.

In her later years, Gerry proved to be a champion grandma and even great grandma. Her house was always a welcoming place for her grandchildren and their friends. Thousands of hours were joyfully spent playing cards, bingo, foosball, and reading. She always kept the candy jar full. Most importantly, every child she encountered knew they were loved.

Gerry touched many lives, and she will be truly missed by many. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, David; her sister Betty; her three children and their spouses: Steve and Shaela Gray of Arlington, TX, Toni and Danny Lucero of Amarillo, TX, and Tyler and Lauren Gray of Denver, CO; her grandchildren: Jordan, Bailey, Peri, Kacie, Riley, Brooklyn, Kellen, and Elias; and her great-grandson, Imani. She is also survived by all the lives she touched along the way, too numerous to list.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Children’s Music Ministry. This memorial fund honors Gerry’s many years of dedication to exposing children to music at First United Methodist. Memorial donations can be made by check mailed to First United Methodist Church, 313 N. Center St., Arlington, TX or by using the link below. Include “Children’s Music Ministry in memory of Gerry Gray” in the memo.