Catherine Gray, 95, a beloved mother, wife, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2023, at home in Virginia Beach. Born on March 25, 1928, in the Berkley section of Norfolk, Virginia. Catherine’s joy in life was being with her family and friends. A member of Chowan Christian Fellowship, her faith and love of the Lord was instrumental in her life.
She was the daughter of Bernard and Adelaide Darley, and the widow of Edward (Eddie) W. Gray. After years of working for Norfolk Naval Shipyard, C&P Telephone, and Southland Cork, she retired from the City of Chesapeake Treasurer’s Office. Eddie and Catherine then lived out their retirement years at their home in Arrowhead Beach, NC, on the Chowan River. They enjoyed 46 years of marriage until Eddie’s death in 1992.
Catherine was predeceased by her brothers, Lawrence Darley Boomer, and William B. Darley, both of Chesapeake. Those left to cherish her memory are her son, Larry Gray of Chesapeake, her daughters Debbie Vance (John) of Virginia Beach, Kay Finneran, and Cathy Akins (Greg), both of Chesapeake. Catherine was blessed with seven grandsons: Austin & Houston Gray, J.P. & Robbie Finneran, Ryan & Kyle Akins and Kevin Vance. She also had five great grandchildren; Charlotte Finneran, Lyndon Gray, Gray Akins, Erin McAndrews and Josh Vance, and four great-great-grandchildren, Hayden, Hailey, Roland, and Skylar.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, October 28th at 10 am at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home in Virginia Beach. Visitation with the family is at 9 am prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Catherine in a special way may make gifts in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Gray family.
