Connie Jean Gray

Throughout Connie’s early life she was supported and become a part of the Taylor family. She began her journey of motherhood with Ernest James Taylor Sr. at the age of 16 when giving birth to their eldest daughter Erneshia, in 1978. In 1981, Connie gave birth to their second daughter, Atiyeh and they had their last child together, Ernest James Taylor Jr, in 1985. From then on she dedicated her life to her children, family, and work. In 1990 she met the love of her life Matthew Mayfield Johnson Sr. In 1993, Connie and Matthew gave birth to their daughter, Laveca Johnson, who empowered Connie to change her life for the better. Throughout her life her children, those she birthed, and those she chose to mother, success was her main priority. To Connie, nothing was more important than family. She valued stability, respect, and authenticity. In any room Connie would walk in and be authentically her; outspoken, loud, and real. She was best known for telling folks what they needed to hear even if it may not have been what they wanted. Honesty was the policy with Connie Gray. Loyalty was the next. Connie loved who loved her. Her longest-lasting friendship was 51 years with her best friend Debra Allen. Her loyalty shined through in her relationship with Matthew as she spent the last 32 years of her life with him. In her relationship with Matthew, she gained three children Shaveca, Matthew, and Demarcus all of whom she loved liked her own.

Connie's loyalty and dedication showed through her stint of 23 years of employment at Columbia Sportswear. One thing for sure and two things for certain, all of her kids and grandkids knew that one thing they would never need is a jacket. Connie woke up at 4:00 AM every morning to make it to Columbia Sportswear for her 6:00 AM shift. She got off work at 2:30 PM and you could count on her to make it in the house by 3:00 PM like clockwork daily.

Throughout her time at Columbia Sportswear, she formed a family and a host of friends.

Amongst family and friends, Connie was known as the life of the party in any setting. Her dressing, smothered potatoes, and mac salad will be missed at parties and gatherings near and far. At any party, Connie was singing, dancing, and sure enough, indulging in a bottle of Sutter Home wine. Her smile and laughter were contagious. She loved to laugh and was always ready for a great time. Connie could always be heard pulling up with loud music before she could be seen. When she could be seen she would pull up with her car shining, her music loud, and her tank on full.

Connie is preceded in death by her parents Willie Joe and Hattie Mae Gray; her sister Beverly Elaine Gray and brother Willie Joe Gray Jr. She leaves to mourn her sister Marita Gray; and her life partner Matthew Mayfield Johnson Sr. She also leaves to mourn her children Erneshia Gray, Atiyeh Taylor, Ernest James Taylor Jr, Laveca Johnson, Demarcus Johnson, Shaveca Johnson, and Matthew Johnson Jr.

Connie also leaves to mourn her grandchildren Dealondo Gray, Mykia Hernandez, Andreya Carter, Andrey’Na Carter, Makenna Taylor, Brianna Taylor, Arianna Taylor, Daphne Taylor, Demiya Johnson, Tristian Johnson, Christian Johnson, Matthew Johnson III, Juliana Johnson and great grandkids DreVyon Gray, Kasiah Richards, Malaya Richards, and Me’Zyia Scott. Additionally, she leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the Gray family.