Emma L. Gray

Emma L. Gray, born in Anderson, S.C. on October 24, 1932 to the late Eddie and Annie Mae Leverett, was called to her heavenly home on April 6, 2016. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her children.

Emma valued and knew the importance of education. She attended Stephen’s Lee High School in Asheville and went on to receive her B.S. in Childhood Education at North Carolina A&T State University, where she was also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, and went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Reading. She also received a Master’s in Early Childhood Development from Elon College and pursued a Doctorate at American University.

Emma married COL Jack Gray and to this union four children were born. They were married for 49 years. She placed her family first and they were her pride and joy, especially her only grandchild Joshua. She was well read and travelled on several military assignments with her husband which included Germany, the Philippines, Panama, Japan, Hawaii and all over the U.S. Emma’s career spans over 50 years and working was a true passion. Emma worked hard, sacrificed and took pride in her work. She was a reading specialist at Dix Street Academy and at Lorton Correctional Facility. Emma taught English Composition at University of DC and was a Psychometrist for Department of Corrections and CCA until December 2014.

She had a true passion for the fine arts and instilled that in her children, as they all played musical instruments. Her love of animals started early as her parents had a farm and her father bred German Shepherds. Gardening and being in nature were her absolute favorites.

Preceded in death by her husband Jack Gray, son Edmund Gray and brother Eugene Leverett. Emma is survived by her daughters Yvette Gray of Asheville, NC and Joanna Gray of Fairfax, VA, son Christopher K Gray of Asheville, NC, grandson Joshua Gray-Pitcock of Fairfax, VA , brother Lee Leverett of Louisiana, and a host of cousins, nieces , nephews and friends.