Gladys Ruth Thurman Gray

Gladys Ruth Thurman Gray, 87, of Raymond, Mississippi, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on May 8, 2026, after a multiyear journey with Alzheimer’s. She was born May 16, 1938, to Ollie Gladys and James Amherst “Bud” Thurman in New Hebron, Mississippi. She married Donald Egan Gray on October 10, 1965, and together they built a life centered around their family in Jackson.

While she worked professionally for many years as a bookkeeper and customer service representative, her greatest joy was found in being a loving wife and mother. Ruth was always ready to carpool her children, their classmates, and friends to after school programs, softball games, soccer, and other activities. She supported her husband’s military service by keeping his uniforms meticulously laundered and pressed, and was at his side for all of his professional endeavors. A true Southern lady, she enjoyed cooking and homemaking for her family, and welcomed guests warmly with fresh coffee, homemade cakes, cookies, or muffins. She spoiled her family with homecooked meals seven days a week, even while working full time outside of the home. Holidays and birthdays were a time for her cooking and baking skills to shine, as she prepared and served traditional meals and homemade treats.

Growing up, Ruth was an award-winning member of the 4-H Club, and she continued to use her green thumb to grow garden vegetables, flowers, and herbs throughout her life. She could literally make any plant bloom, a tribute to her kind and loving nature, which she humbly shared with everyone she met. She encouraged her children to be kind, and instilled in each of them a strong work ethic, a sense of right and wrong, and a compassion for animals.

An avid reader and piano player, Ruth continued to keep her mind active by reading and enjoyed browsing the shelves at her local library. For many years, she kept an upright piano in the home, where she enjoyed playing and singing songs from her Baptist Hymnal. She was an intelligent woman who encouraged her children to pursue higher education and to take advantage of travel opportunities at every turn.

Ruth was cherished by her family, who will remember her as the most loyal wife, and most gracious and kind mom a child could have.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving spouse of nearly 61 years, Don Gray, of Raymond; her three children, Harold Donald Gray of Florence; Donna Ruth Gray of Raymond; and Sharon Gray Morris (Brad) of Oxford; as well as her baby sister, Ann May (Robert) of Magee, and several nieces and nephews, whom she adored.

Ruth’s life will be honored on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, with visitation at 1:00 PM, followed by a service at 2:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home (6011 Clinton Boulevard, Jackson, MS), with interment following at Lakewood Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank Ruth’s extended care team, including Lynazia Walker, as well as all of the nurses, aides, and staff of Accent Hospice Care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Mississippi Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, Mississippi Animal Rescue League, or the charity of your choice.