Adelle Dorothee Woollett Gray

Adelle Dorothee Woollett Gray was born in Victoria, Texas, on September 7, 1930, to Donald Woollett and Paula Muller Woollett. She peacefully departed from her home on January 5, 2024, at the age of 93.

Adelle is preceded in death by her parents, her husband George T. Gray, and her brother Paul Woollett. She is survived by her daughter, Susan Gray Pardaen (Tom), son John D. Gray (Judy), and daughter Laura Gray Smith, along with six grandchildren—Paul Pardaen (Rebecca), Leslie Benavides (Tom), Joey Pardaen, Thomas Gray (Allison), Cody Smith, and Taylor Smith. Adelle also leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Brayden and Paisley Gray, Augustus and Athena Benavides, and Weston Pardaen.

At nine months old, Adelle accompanied her parents to Saltillo, Mexico, where she resided until the age of five, and learned to speak Spanish as her primary language. Upon returning to the United States and settling in Laredo, Texas, she gracefully embraced the English language. There she attended Ellis Elementary School and graduated from Martin High School in 1947.

In 1948, she was set up on a blind date with the soon to be love of her life George. Despite his warning about leaving the date if she arrived in a poodle skirt, which she did, the couple fell in love and got married on Halloween (October 31, 1953). George, known for his humor, often joked about trying to decide whether or not it was a "trick or treat." Undoubtedly, it was a treat. Together, they navigated life side by side, whether managing their filling station in Zapata or tending to their cattle.

Adelle held a variety of roles throughout her professional career. From being a "Pink Lady" at Mercy Hospital selling magazines and candy to becoming a dedicated nurse's aid after 2 years. She also worked at an auto dealership, a bank, and United ISD. She then went into retirement after 25 years with United ISD, where she served as a teacher's aid, PE teacher, librarian, and finally as an Administrative Assistant.

Of all her numerous professional accomplishments, Adelle's most cherished role was taking care of her family. Apart from raising her children, she opened her home to many others and took them in as her own. Later came her grandchildren who she unconditionally adored, stepping up to babysit at any given opportunity. When the great grandkids came along she would light up the room with her beautiful smile every time she laid eyes on them. Throughout her life, she also selflessly cared for her father, father-in-law, mother, mother-in-law, and husband, all while still working her other jobs.

In her downtime, Adelle found joy in sewing and creating art, making dolls, quilts, and a variety of other crafts for all of the kids. Her unwavering commitment to faith and community manifested in her active participation in the church in Laredo, Devine, and Hebbronville, where she served and taught Sunday School.

Adelle Dorothee Woollett was a beacon of love and light and will be dearly missed by many, but her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. at Funeraria del Angel Howard Williams in Hebbronville. The Funeral Service will take place at St. James Episcopal Church in Hebbronville at 10:00 a.m., followed by the burial in Laredo Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.

Serving as Pallbearers: Paul Pardaen, Joey Pardaen, Thomas Gray, Cody Smith, Taylor Smith, Tom Benavides. Honorary Pallbearers: Leslie Benavides, Allison Gray, Rebecca Pardaen, Aly Lopez

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. James Episcopal Church, PO Box 68, Hebbronville, TX 78361.