Geneva V. Gray

Geneva Lakey Gray, 92, passed away on Monday, October 25, 2021. She was the widow of Troy B. Gray. Born February 17, 1929, in Cardon Bottoms, Yell County, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Louie Oscar Lakey, Sr. and Irene McGee Lakey. She graduated from Adona High School, May 1947. Geneva’s main occupation was homemaker, but she also worked as a bookkeeper and a civil servant. She attended the Missionary Baptist Seminary, of Little Rock, and numerous classes on tailoring and cake decorating over the years.

Geneva married her high school sweetheart Troy Gray on May 16, 1947. After short stints in Arkansas and Indiana, and the birth of their first child, they settled in Galveston/LaMarque Texas area. She was an active member at Memorial Baptist Church, where she used her musical talents by singing in trios and quartets. She also mentored high school students in the church. She was a Den Mother for her young son’s Cub Scout group and was actively involved in his extra-curricular activities. Her second child was born in Galveston. Geneva made many life-time friends during this special time in Texas.

To be close to their families, Geneva’s family moved to Mabelvale, Arkansas in 1964 and then to West Little Rock in 1967. She was a Girl Scout Leader and Assistant Leader for her young daughter’s group and was actively involved in her extra-curricular activities as well. It was also during this time that Geneva joined and became an active member of Southwest Missionary Baptist Church, now known as North Bryant Baptist Church (where she was a charter member). During her tenure at the church, she was active in many areas: choir member, small ensembles; Sunday School teacher and director, VBS teacher, and cake decorator for numerous baby and wedding showers.

For the 1973/74 school year, Geneva opened her home to Ann Rasmussen, a foreign exchange student from Denmark. She continued to stay in touch with Ann’s family, after her return to Denmark.

Geneva began to take on new hobbies and activities. She attended special tailoring classes in Virginia and Washington, D.C. She was active with a craft group made up of church friends. They enjoyed making Christmas Cards, ornaments, and numerous other crafts. Without the knowledge of her family or friends, she took on the challenge of learning to swim. This led to a love for the water aerobics she shared with a new group of women-keeping her body and mind active.

She was a loving and devoted wife, and learned all she could about Alzheimer’s when her husband was diagnosed with the disease. Her knowledge and caring spirit were obvious in the way she cared for him.

Geneva will be remembered for many things: her independent (sometimes stubborn) spirit; caring for others in their times of need; her generosity to others both public and private; being a good listener and friend to people of all ages; sharing her love of music; loving her family; her fashion sense and tailoring skills; and her creative talents. Most importantly, she will be remembered for her relationship with Jesus Christ and leading others to follow Him.

She is survived by her daughter, Jan Gray Davis (Nathan) of Tempe, AZ; sisters, Verlee Taylor of Morrilton, AR, and Sue Blackwood of Owasso, OK; brother, Carroll Lakey (Jean) of Bronwood, GA; along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Troy B. Gray; son, Troy Wayne Gray and daughter-in-law, Karen Gray; parents, Louie Oscar Lakey, Sr. and Irene McGee Lakey; brothers, Billy Joseph Lakey, Bobby Charles Lakey, and Louie Oscar Lakey, Jr; and sister, Ida Lou Eubanks.

Special thank yous are extended to the staffs of Fox Ridge Assisted Living, in Bryant, and Hospice House, on Bowman, for their kindness and compassion to Geneva and her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to North Bryant Baptist Church.