Lori M Gray

Lori Gray, 46, of Worthington, passed away on January 2, 2023. She was born on May 21, 1976, to Mancel and Deborah Gray. Lori was preceded in death by her father, Mancel Gray Jr’ grandparents, Richard and Betty Smith and Dean Barnett; and her uncle, Bill Price.

Lori will be greatly missed by her mother, Deborah Gray; brother, Gary Gray; fiancé, Tim Williams; grandmother, Sarah Barnett; sister-in-law, Dianne Hundt; Aunt and Uncle, Carla (John) Robbins; cousins, Jen (Alan), Adam, Chris (Talia), and Sarah Robbins; Aunt, Macille Price; cousins, Shawn, Shane, and Cher (Art); and many extended family and close family friends.

In Lieu of flowers please make contributions to an animal shelter of her choice or in honor of her father, the American Cancer Society.

A visitation for Lori will be held Wednesday, January 11, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Schoedinger Worthington, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. A funeral service will occur Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, January 12, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Lovely Lori was the name given to her by her Mema, and she was, in fact, lovely to every single person she met. She was the apple of her father’s eye, her mother’s best friend, and a loving, loyal sister. Lori was lovingly known as “Geek” to her nieces, nephew, and all the children in her family. She absolutely adored her stepdaughter, Kayley, and granddaughter, Rosalie. Lori was a brave soul, evidenced by graciously accepting the difficult role of singing at the funeral of her beloved niece, Courtney. Lori treated her cousins as her best friends—singing at family gatherings and choreographing dances throughout the years. As a child, she delighted in making her family—specifically her grandparents, aunts and uncles—laugh and smile. Lori had an infectious laugh throughout her life—it truly was her trademark. Her laugh is one we’ll never forget. Her beautiful sparkling personality didn’t dim as she grew older—in fact, it only grew bigger as she lit up every room graced with her presence. Lori went on to learn guitar and often sang for friends and family, creating memories that many hold dear. Lori never knew a stranger, and when she gained a friend, it was like gaining another family member. Once you became family, she never let you go.

Two and a half years ago, Lori met the love of her life, Tim Williams (whom she lovingly referred to as, “My baby”). They were set to be married July 16th of this year, and excitedly planned their small ceremony to take place in Las Vegas. Tim adored her and showered her with flowers and gifts. They enjoyed playing board games, specifically Yahtzee, which she also often played with her mom, Deborah and family. They enjoyed time in her pool every summer, and enjoyed it the most when friends could stop by and “pool” with her.

Lori lived life to it’s fullest. Nearly every moment of her life was spent taking care of the people she loved the most. She was a natural caregiver, sometimes leaving in the middle of the night to help a friend. Her countless friends are evidence of her sweet, tender, hilarious, ornery, and feisty spirit. You never doubted that you were going to have a blast when you had plans with Lori.

As a graduate from Ohio State University [earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work], Lori worked for the Ohio Education Association as an Administrative Assistant for the Executive Officers, and then worked in Legal Services for the last three years. She was working hard to earn her degree as a paralegal, and was only two classes away from graduating. Often referred to as “the smartest woman I know”, Lori loved knowledge and earned straight A’s in all of her classes. She had an impeccable memory, which ignited her love for elephants. She didn’t have much down time, but when she did, she enjoyed reading, listening to music [specifically the Beatles], working crossword puzzles, decorating her house with elephants and her favorite flower [sunflowers], getting her nails done, enjoying a drink with a friend, watching live music, spoiling her puppy, Georgie, getting a new tattoo or piercing, and shopping for stylish clothes.

Lori Gray’s life was full—full of meaningful moments—shared with family and friends. Her main priority was to make others feel happy, nurtured, content and loved. Her spirit will live on through us all—in our memories, in our actions, and in our love. May we all create a better world because she was a part of ours.