I was unaware of May Jo's passing until I received my Mars Hill alumni magazine this week.  She was my third (and final) piano professor.  I remember the "NB" written on my music reminding me to work out those hard passages.  I always referred to them as "not bad" to which she would stomp her foot and say loudly, "Nota bene! Nota bene!"  She was an amazing lady.     
--Janice Nash Byrd,  BME class of '73

Yes, I have many wonderful memories of my college piano professor, May Jo Gray.  She was always optimistic, an encourager, when I wasn't sure I could do the work.  She always sent a birthday card to my children, and I still have them.  Much love to the family.

May Jo Gray was a remarkable individual, musician, and teacher.  From the first lesson at Mars Hill College, May Jo opened new doors and new worlds of thought, new ways of thinking about music, and  new dreams and ideas that had not previously been a part of my world. We would have two one-hour lessons a week, in addition to a studio class. If we didn't cover all of the repertoire, she would come back in the evening for additional sessions. Her teacher, Grace Potter Carroll, had been one of the few pianists to study with Lescheitzky and Busoni at the same time. 
As I finished the Dean's Advisory Council Meeting in the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University, where I am the Dean of the School of Music today, I thought back on all of the lessons, time, and devotion that May Jo had offered to the service of my career.  As I told my colleagues, "It would be my hope that one day, I would mean as much to my students as May Jo had meant to me." As a kid from Western North Carolina who loved to play the piano, but didn't have a clue what that meant, May Jo was the perfect teacher for me. She taught me many lessons about how to be a musician, live like a musician, think like a musician, and most of all see the world like a musician. 

May Jo,  was a resident of mine where I work a couple of years ago. I had the honor knowing her and her daughter Lucy. May Jo was a caring person always smiling and a pleasure to talk to. I am blessed to have known her.

Lucy and Celia, I had no idea you had lost Tommy and Richard until your mom's obituary came out.  My sincere condolences.  Cherish family.

I remember her father as band director at Lee Edwards High School in Asheville, NC.     
Jenny Lind Erickson, class  of 1952               

So sorry! May Jo was an amazing woman and had an amazing life!! She will be missed!! Prayers and blessings to you all! Jane

May Jo, was gracious and kind lady. She was patient with me as a teacher. Truthfully she should have smacked me in the head. 

May Jo Gray was the most influential teacher I ever had, and far beyond the lessons of the piano studio she provided a model of kindness, generosity, and wisdom that have lasted for a lifetime.  I am so very grateful to have been her student and for her lasting friendship.  May light perpetual shine upon her.

I was saddened to learn of May Jo's death.  She was an incredibly caring and positive individual. She was a first-rate teacher and brilliant musician (violin and piano).  She became a cherished friend. I will ever be grateful for my piano study with her and the many life lessons that she taught me. RIP, dear May Jo.

PAX,
Dan Locklair

I was a piano major at MHC and when my piano teacher, Carolyn Lamberson, took maternity leave, I chose to study with May Jo. She taught me a very important skill as I prepared for my senior recital: how to technically memorize.It was essential to a 30 minute recital and I have used her knowledge with my own piano students. She also helped my husband survive keyboard proficiency! That was a miracle in itself. She was patient with him and he learned how to play the easiest hymn in the book in any key! He hasn't done that since, but then he's got me! She nurtured both of us! 

I am saddened to learn of the passing of May Jo. I worked with her when we were both on the music faculty at Mars Hill College (now University) in the early seventies. Although I lost touch with her years ago, I have always remembered her as a warm, compassionate and talented person. 

Lucy, Celia,  Richard and Tommy...your mother was a great influence on me, both when I was growing up on Tacoma and as a student at Mars Hill College and later as adjunct faculty in the music department there.  I also have fond memories of your grandparents, the DiNardos.   May she rest in beautiful peace.

OBITUARY

May Jo D Gray

September 17, 1922 – September 6, 2020

Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Manasota Memorial Park

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