Gerry Gray

Geraldine “Gerry” Richardson Gray — a devoted wife to Joe Louis Gray, mother,

and grandmother — was born on April 14, 1943, in Staunton, Va. Gerry was the

youngest daughter of the late Hattie Wright and John Franklin Richardson. She

was preceded in death by her siblings: Louella, Mary Alice, Clinton, John, Minnie,

William, Robert “Bobbie Lee,” and Rosie Mae “Rose.” Gerry was raised and educated in Buckingham County, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. She married Joe Gray, and to this union, two sons were born — Edward and Diego-Stephan Gray. Gerry was proud to be active in the Civil Rights movement, participating in historic events such as the March on Washington. Upon relocating to Dallas, Tx, she worked at the Dallas Veterans Hospital and was involved in the desegregation of the Veterans Administration. Gerry began her walk with God at an early age. She was baptized and gave her

life to Christ at Saint Joy Baptist Church in Buckingham, Virginia. After moving to Dallas, she joined Life Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Billy R. Hatch. She later united with Trinity Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop J. B. Ransom where she followed in the

footsteps of her mother, becoming an active missionary. Often called Mother Gray, Gerry was known as a fierce dresser. She was praised for her fancy hats, stylish suits, and coordinated jewelry. She was a one of a kind, charismatic spirit with a witty sense of humor who loved to laugh and cook for celebrations and holidays, opening her house to hundreds for large meals and fellowship. She loved to worship the Lord and attended church regularly until illness slowly claimed her body. Though it claimed her body, it

never claimed her spirit, as she often said, “I am blessed, nevertheless.” On Friday, September 4, 2020, she departed this earth to touch the hand of God and be reunited with her parents, siblings, husband, and a host of family and friends. To cherish her memory, Gerry leaves two sons — Edward Emmanuel Gray and his wife, Darla Gray, and Diego-Stephan Gray Sr. — and Lockie Burns, who she lovingly referred to as her sister-cousin. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren — Janelle, Brittanie, Tiffanie, Melanie, LaToya, Diego-Stephan II, and Keinu —, five great-grandchildren and her beloved Christian family.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday, September 10, 2020 at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6300 S.R. L. Thornton Freeway, Dallas, Texas 75232. Celebration of Life will be 2 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2020 in the Laurel Land Funeral Home Chapel. Interment to follow in Laurel Land Memorial Park.

Services will be live streamed on Facebook. Please go to and like Laurel Land Funeral Home's page. The service will start exactly at 2 p.m.