Naomi "Sissy" Marie Watts Gray,76, of Statesville, North Carolina passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Naomi was born January 10, 1944 to the late Marie Watts and Harold Rucker in Iredell County, NC. She is also proceeded in death by a sister, Mary (Tib) Summers.
Those left to cherish her precious memory are her husband of 53 years, Gene Gray; son Timothy Parker (Sandy); daughters Hope Gillespie (Chris),Traci Gray (Thomas) and daughter Nakeeta Sharpe (Todd); grandchildren, Jasmine Gray, Torie Sharpe, Christie Gillespie, Ahdasia Polk, Collin Gray, Zariah Parsons, Shaniqua White, Ty Parson, Brittainy (Jasmine) Parker, Jasmine Parker, Tomora Parker, Darius Parker, Jaidyn Parker, Lasandra Cherry and great-grandchild Saveah Nichols.
She is further survived by special friends, Dorothy White, Flichsa Sharpe, Pamela White, Valeria Mayberry, Averya Funderburk, Trivia Sharpe and Flora Griffin; in-laws, nephews, nieces, God-children and other special family and friends.
Naomi was a member at Bethel Congregation UCC and when her health allowed, she was part of the choir as well as the director. Having the love of singing and fellowship she also started to the children's choir at Bethel, so she could combine her passion for singing and helping children grow up. Naomi loved children. She had four children of her but so many people considered to be like a mother to them. Naomi was a kind woman who would her home to anyone who needed it. She loved to cook and bake for family and friends and could cook anything you could think of. She was a people person and loved to entertain. She loved the ocean. Above all else she loved her family, and if she knew you, you were family. She loved everyone and loved to hug you and show you how she felt and make you feel loved. She was especially fond of those she watched grow up and took care of in the Steele Family and Payne Family. Throughout her career she worked at Rubbermaid and RHA, however she loved taking care of people most.
Visitation for Naomi will be held at Bethel Congregational UCC Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 11AM with a Celebration of Life starting at 12PM with Pastor James E. Williams officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Naomi's memory may be made to donations to the family at 456 Virginia Ave, Statesville, North Carolina 28677.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com for the Gray family.
