Mary Lou Gray

As the Lord was preparing to give us another glorious sunrise the morning of April 22nd, the spirit of Mary Lou Nichols Gray slipped away to join her wonderful husband in eternity marking the end of a life well lived. Born in Great Bend Kansas to James Fitzgerald Nichols and Mary Elizabeth Emerson Nichols, she spent her childhood in Kansas City and then Oklahoma City. She met the love of her life Earle W. Gray Jr while attending Classen High School. Mary Lou attended The University of Oklahoma where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Mary Lou and Earle were married in 1946 marking the beginning of an exciting and fulfilling life, including long separations while Earle was serving at sea in the Navy. As a supportive corporate wife, Mary Lou was the anchor of her family during Earle's long career with the General Electric Company. Her gifts and talents as a wife and a mother provided the foundation for her family during multiple moves and transitions. Their last move with G.E. was to Birmingham 45 years ago. After Earle retired they continued to enjoy traveling the world, visiting children and grandchildren, and their fellowship and service with Shades Valley Presbyterian Church. In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-nine years Earle, and her sister Carolyn Nichols Bentley. Left to cherish her memory are her sister Nancy Ann Nichols Hale and extended family in Oklahoma; daughter Mary Ellen McKnight (Robert) of DeFuniak Springs, FL., Sarah Elizabeth Heckert (Brian) of Florence, AL., and son James Earle Gray (Gina) of Mountain Brook, AL; granddaughters Laura Beth, Emily, Betsy, Mary Elizabeth, Katy and Piper; grandson David; greatgrandsons Liam, Owen, Wyatt, and Cruz and her Golden Retriever Honey. The family would like to extend their great appreciation for the loving and compassionate care of Mary Lou and her family to the staff of Kirkwood by the River. A memorial service will be Saturday, April 29, 2017 at Shades Valley Presbyterian Church, beginning with visitation at 10:00 A.M. in the fellowship hall, followed by a service at 11:00 A.M. in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to Shades Valley Presbyterian Church or the charity of your choice.