Jean Elaine Gronquist Ray

Mrs. Jean Elaine Gronquist Ray, 81, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Whitestone. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 11, at Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel, 515 North Elm Street, with Chaplains John Connor and Misty McAden officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Park, 3600 North O’Henry Boulevard.

Jean was born November 14, 1942 in Fort Lauderdale, FL, daughter of the late Carl Edwin and Gladys Kilmer Gronquist. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from UNC-G and Masters in organizational development from American University. She was chief of training then organizational development specialist for the United States Treasury Department (Internal Revenue Service).

Jean was a member of Summerfield-Peace United Methodist Church. She was a people person, highly intelligent, very caring and a good listener. She enjoyed reading, the mountains, walking and spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ray was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold and Carl Gronquist, Jr.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jerry R. Ray; daughters, Lisa R. Stafford of Bronx, NY, Kristin R. Johnson and husband, Tommy of Greensboro; grandchildren, Kevin Stafford, Logan and Payton Johnson, and her brother, James E. Gronquist and wife, Susan of Charlotte. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jean’s memory may be made to Dementia Society, dementiasociety.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com