Elizabeth Ann Gray

She was born to William Lewis Wheeler and Inez Meadows (Graves) Wheeler in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 19, 1945. Liz is a 1963 Crispus Attucks High School graduate and furthered her studies

at IUPUI, IU Bloomington, Indiana State, and Ball State University.

She married her former husband, Harvey Gray Jr., on August 24, 1963, and they bore three children Harvey 1 through this union. Gray, Andrea Marie Gray, and Antoinette “Toni” Gray Hill.

Elizabeth worked for her alma mater Crispus Attucks High School, serving as secretary for her then-principal Mr. Reed. She went on to work for Indianapolis Public Schools as a Library Secretary and L.S. Ayres in Accounts Payable. Elizabeth served as a Social Worker for Handicapped students at Head Start (the first of its kind) before retiring from Eli Lilly and Co.

Elizabeth was a devoted Christian and an active church and community member. She taught at Children’s Church and provided many volunteer services at Second Christian Church and Light of the World. She served on the Mother’s Board at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.

Elizabeth was also active in her senior community at Nora Commons were she especially enjoyed attending Sunday morning Chapel Service. Elizabeth was an artist at heart and had a natural talent for interior decorating. Many marveled at her beautifully decorated home and how well she cared for and maintained her home plants. She often shared some of her artistic talent assisting at the Library in the Creative Writing and Art Classes.

Elizabeth enjoyed social activities, especially with her family. In the summers she could be found volunteering/partying with her sister Pearlene at the Indiana Black Expo and Circle City Classic. They had a good time keeping the young people in line.

Elizabeth loved listening to good music. Jazz music especially. She was an avid reader and collected books of all types, especially religious books and books written by black authors.

Elizabeth was known to some as the family historian. If you ever needed to know anything about a family linkage, you knew to just call “Aunt Liz”. She knew how everyone was connected. Elizabeth loved her family dearly and became a second mother to many. She was our family matriarch and will be

deeply missed.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, William Lewis Wheeler, Sr., and Inez Wheeler; sister, Dorothy Anna Logan; brother William Lewis Wheeler, Jr.; and daughter, Andrea Marie Gray. Elizabeth is survived by her son, Harvey J. Gray; daughter, Antoinette “Toni” “(Gray) Hill; sister, Pearlene Gamble; 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, great nieces and nephews and other relatives.