She graduated from Rice University in 1964 with a degree in Chemistry, where she met Jesse “Mac” Gray, the love of her life. She worked as a chemist for Texaco for several years, and was proud to be one of the first women to work for Texaco in the refinery setting. Once she and Mac started a family, Shirley stayed home to focus on her children. Shirley had a passion for travel, always planning the family’s next trip, and especially loved visiting Hawaii, Alaska, and Disneyland. She was also an avid antique collector and seller, and loved animals of all kinds, frequently donating to various animal rescues and sanctuaries from all of the places she visited.
Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, Jesse McAfee Gray, Jr., and son Jeremy Michael Gray. Shirley is survived by her son, David Hamilton Gray (Greg Wassmann), and daughter, Melissa Lynn Gray.
A visitation for Shirley will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kingwood Funeral Home, 22800 Highway 59 North, Kingwood, TX 77339. A private graveside service is to follow at a later date and time.
In lieu of flowers, for those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions to one of Shirley’s favorite organizations, the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo, Hawaii, or to your favorite animal charity.
Donation Link:
https://www.hilozoo.org/donations
Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo
800 Stainback Hwy, Hilo, HI 96720
