Martha Deming Gray

She was preceded in death by her husband, William Travis Gray in 1993, and her son, William Deming Gray in 2021. Daughter of William Winchester and Effie Mae Deming with beloved sisters, Willie Sue Morris and Oneida (Guy) Yelverton, also deceased, Martha grew up during the depression in Bolivar, Tennessee.

Martha was a graduate of Central High School, Bolivar, Tennessee; West Tennessee Business College, Jackson, Tennessee; Wayne School of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois; and Mid-West Airline College, Kansas City, Missouri. Martha worked as a district cashier and office manager of American General Insurance Agency retiring in March of 1989 after 34 years.

Martha was a lifelong active member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha (ESA). She was an avid bowler and in her later years, an accomplished tapper with the Tip Top Tappers.

Martha was a Christian and member of First Baptist Church, Jackson, Tennessee where she was recognized by her variety of colorful hats worn at every service. Martha served at the church assisting in the office regularly for many years. Her humorous wit and endearing smile will be missed.

Martha is survived by her daughter-in-law, Deborah Gray, granddaughter, Lauren (Tyler) Lindsay, grandson, Hunter (Kelsi) Gray, niece, Jessica Block, nephews, Guy Yelverton, Jr., James Edward Morris, Gary Yelverton and many loving great-grandchildren, great-nieces, nephews and friends. Martha is survived by her stepsister, Kathleen Tharp, with whom she had a loving relationship. Martha had several very close friends that she loved dearly, including Nancy and Bill Pitt, Nancy and Ben Mitchell and many others. Losing Martha will leave a hole in our lives that cannot be filled but we find peace in knowing that she is with the Lord, her loving family, and that we will all be together again.

The family will receive visitors at George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, North, on January 7th, 2023, from 11:00 to 12:30 with service to follow. Interment will be at Ridgecrest Cemetery following the service where Martha will be laid to rest next to her beloved Travis Gray. We invite family and friends to join us at First Baptist Jackson, TN following the graveside service for fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, Martha asked for donations to First Baptist Church of Jackson or to the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GeorgeASmithandSons.com for the Gray family.