Nancy Lumpkin Gray

Nancy Lumpkin Gray of Alexandria, Virginia passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025 at the age of 93, surrounded by family and love. She was born on May 7, 1932, and raised in Newport News, Virgina, spending summers in the Northern Neck. She was the only child of Russell Burton Lumpkin and Margaret Redman Lumpkin.

Nancy is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, John W. Gray III and Kimberley of Redmond, Washington; Burton S. Gray and Christine of Springfield, Virginia; David B. Gray and Phyllis of Alexandria, Virginia; four grandchildren who knew her as Memaw - Julie (Doug Beckner), Laurin, Turner (Maggie Phipps) and Walker; a step-grandchild Cameron (Kyle LoMonaco), and a step-great-grandchild Gianna, all of Springfield Virginia. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Claire Lousie "Weezie" Gray. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Walker Gray, Jr. (Jack) in 2009.

Nancy received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Randolph-Macon Women’s College (RMWC) in 1952, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. That same year she married Jack Gray, also of Newport News, Virginia, and became an elementary school teacher. They started their life together while Jack served two years in the United States Air Force, then three years in Charlottesville, Va., while Jack attended the University of Virginia Law School. Following law school in 1957, they settled in Alexandria, Virginia where they raised their three sons. Nancy was deeply involved in her sons’ lives, especially as a swim team mother—faithfully driving to early morning practices—and as a strong supporter of the Fort Hunt band parents. Throughout her life, she was actively engaged in many community and charitable organizations. She spent the last 15 years as an active resident of Goodwin House in Alexandria.

Nancy served on the Alexandria Inova Hospital Foundation Board, and on the board of the Goodwin House Foundation. She was a member of the Virginia Daughters of the American Revolution (Mount Vernon Chapter), National Society of Colonial Dames, Jamestowne Society, The Twig, Belle Haven Country Club, the Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C., and various garden clubs over the years. She was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Nancy and Jack shared a love of international travel, tennis, and bridge. Above all, Nancy was happiest when surrounded by family and friends at her beloved “country house” in Lottsburg, Virginia, especially during the annual family reunion week when all her children and grandchildren were together. She was respected, warmly loved, and blessed with family and many enduring friendships.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the The Twig (The Junior Auxiliary of Inova Alexandria Hospital), at https://www.thetwig.org/ or The Twig, P.O. Box 26324, Alexandria, Va 22313. Demaine Funeral Home in Old Town Alexandria is handling the arrangements.