October 8, 2021, at age 81, after experiencing declining health for several years, our beloved Dean left our earthly world to live forever in God’s spiritual world. Dean kept her smart and sassy spirit through it all. Even after losing her ability to speak, she still let her feelings be known through her big brown eyes, tight hand squeezes and facial expressions.
Born April 3, 1940, in Lumberton, NC to the late Daniel Eugene Gray and the late Laura Mae Herring Gray, Dean had four siblings. She was blessed with an older brother, Willian Gene Gray, an older sister Mary Catherine Johnson and two younger sisters Carol Gray Tennison and Laura Grace Cottrell.
Upon completing business school following high school, Dean had a very successful and rewarding business career. Her duties ranged from clerical to human resources, personnel management, purchasing, payroll, corporate bookkeeping and office management.
Throughout life Dean had a deep appreciation and love for nature. She enjoyed the flowering of spring and the beautiful colors of autumn. Countless hours were spent watching squirrels, birds, especially hummingbirds and deer through her glass patio door. She traveled often with friends to spend time in the mountains. She had first birds, then cats as her indoor companion pets.
Dean will be forever loved and missed by all her friends especially Earl P Harding. God brought Earl and Dean together 44 years ago to take care of one another and they always did. Though separated by a few miles they joyfully responded to each other’s call without question.
Dean is survived by two sisters Carol Tennison of Oldsmar, FL and Laura Cottrell of Wheatland, CA, several nieces and two nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Dean’s life and the love we all have for her will be shared November 13, 2021. Her nephew the Rev. Adam Gray will lead her life’s celebration service.
In Lieu of flowers, please consider memorial gifts to The Humane Society of Charlotte (www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org), Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region (www.hpccr.org) or a deserving non-profit of your choosing.
DONATIONS
The Humane Society of Charlotte 2700 Toomey Ave, Charlotte, North Carolina 28203
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