Mrs. Martha Gray passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025 after a lengthy journey with Alzheimer's disease. Up until the end Martha maintained her kindness, grace, compassion, appreciation of beauty and love of family and friends.
Martha’s life can best be described by these words: Family, Friends, Flowers and Fun. In her almost 86 years here with us she experienced an abundance of each.
Martha, with her mothering nature created a beautiful and gracious home, comfortable for her growing family, raising her three children and grandchildren. Those family left to cherish her memory are her son, Terry Allen Duncan of Arkansas. Her loving brothers Don Smith of Hickory, Walt Smith and wife Connie of South Carolina, Ed Smith and wife JoAnne of South Carolina. Her grandchildren: Cassey Rivera and husband Alberto of Tennessee, Codey Duncan and wife Justina of Hickory and Collin Duncan and wife Hannah of Granite Falls. And her great grandchildren, Nolan, Colton, Jace, Jazmine, Riley, Cheyanna and Matthew.
Martha cherished her friendships, developing them at each stage of her life, with most of those lasting the remainder of her life. She became an avid and accomplished gardener who took joy in sharing both her knowledge and the abundance of her garden. Martha had a zest for life that included a love for all things Elvis, bluegrass, westerns and working puzzles.
Martha was a hard worker with 32 years of service at Walmart. Her strong will, room-filling laugh and kindhearted generous spirit got her through her diminished state near the end of her life. Martha would express how grateful she was to have lived a long life full of wonderful experiences as well as a loving family and many good friends. She truly embodied the adage of a life well lived and rests well at home with the Lord.
A Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 1 PM at Catawba Memorial Park with Pastor Dab Greene officiating. Burial will follow.
The family will receive friends prior to the service at Catawba Funeral Home from 12 PM – 12:45 PM.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Burke County Friends for Animals.
Condolences may be left at www.catawbamemorialpark.com.
The Duncan Gray Family is under the care of Catawba Memorial Park, Funerals & Cremations.
