She is survived by her devoted husband of 33 years, Thomas (Tom) Edward Gray, and her loving sons William Bruce Gray III, and wife Baylor, and Thomas Carlton Gray. She is also survived by her mother, Mrs. Sallie Hill Watts of Kernersville, NC, and Sisters; Barbara J. Watts of Kernersville, Miriam Watts Towery (John) of Thomasville, NC, Joan Watts Haney of Thomasville, NC, and Naomi Watts Driggers (Don) of Kernersville, NC. She is also survived by numerous beloved Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Carlton Watts, and brother L. Dale Watts.
Denise was a graduate of East Forsyth High School in Kernersville, NC and High Point University, High Point, NC with a BS in Biology and Spanish. She spent her immediate post graduate years working for Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem in Physiology/Pharmacology and Medical Genetics. Later after relocating to Germantown, TN she became a stay-at-home mother and teacher to her two sons, Will and Thomas. She later discovered a very rewarding career in Teaching at First Assembly Christian School in Memphis, TN. A much beloved teacher, friend, counselor, and a Disciple of Jesus Christ, she was a positive influence on so many young people. It was during this time she also discovered an open door to spread the Good News of her Savior beyond the borders of her own country. With countless Mission Trips to Guatemala and Southeast Asia, she became a beloved American sister to many people of other cultures in the far reaches of the world. She also loved serving and partnering with local ministries in the Memphis area. Sharing her love for Christ Jesus was her #1 passion. Her smile always lit up any room she entered, no matter how bad she felt. Her heart continued to sing even with the affliction that had been placed on her. She was always reminding her students…… “look into your Silver Box, God has something for you, every day.”
Denise was a devoted member of Kirby Woods Baptist Church for over 18 years. Serving on numerous committees, she volunteered with just about every ministry in the church. She was a devoted prayer warrior, daily praying fervently for those whom the Lord laid on her heart. Tirelessly, she led Ministry Prayer Groups of all kinds, and encouraged young minds to seek God’s will for their lives and His Glory.
A service of celebration of her life will take place, on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM, at Kirby Woods Baptist Church, 6325 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN. There will be a visitation for family and friends, on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, from 5:00 until 8:00 PM, at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN. Another celebration of life and burial will take place at a later date in High Point, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials are requested to:
Kirby Woods Baptist Church Missions,
Kirby Woods Baptist Church,
6325 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119.
Child Evangelism Fellowship of Memphis,
2091 Lee Place, Memphis, TN 38104.
First Assembly Christian School,
8650 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38018,
or to the charity of one’s choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Gray family.
