Margaret S. Gray

Margaret Gray, age 84, of Birmingham, AL died peacefully in her home on Sunday, January 10th, 2021. Margaret was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on March 13, 1936. Margaret was the youngest daughter of Robert Jackson Sullivan and Gertha Conway Sullivan of Tuscaloosa. She is preceded in death by her husband James Howard Gray and her son Glenn Russell Gray ("Russ"). Margaret is survived by her two sons Christopher Dale Gray (Sarah) of Marietta, Ga and David Alan Gray (Janice) of Hilton Head, SC as well as four grandchildren, James “Michael” Gray (Channing) of Atlanta, Ga, Erin Kelsey Perks (Jonathon) of Atlanta, Ga, Jereme Jackson Gray (Alli) of Houston, Tx, and Jared Connor Gray (Lynnie) currently of Malaga, Spain. She was also blessed with four great grandchildren Camden Daniel Perks, Leo James Perks, Grayson Charles Perks, and Aylin Margaret Gray.

Margaret was raised in Tuscaloosa where she attended Tuscaloosa High School and The University of Alabama. During high school Margaret met the love of her life ("my Jim") and they were married in 1956. Margaret and Jim enjoyed many adventures and challenges of Air Force life before settling down in Birmingham in 1970. Margaret nurtured deep, long term friendships and she will be missed by her countless "best friends." Family and church were the cornerstones of Margaret's life. She cherished her time teaching Sunday School for 5th grade girls and delivering flowers with the “flower brigade” at Brookwood Baptist Church. Margaret and Jim created great memories at the family lake house on Logan Martin and many trips to the beach.

Margaret was loved by all. Anyone meeting her would use the term "sweet" or "gracious" to describe her. Her friends usually called her "sweet Margaret". Her kindness and acceptance could not be hidden; neither could her quiet determination. She had great integrity and the resolve to defend the truth. She would fiercely protect friends and family when needed. Margaret embodied the inner strength of a true Southern lady.

A private graveside service to honor Margaret's life will be held January 23rd, 2021. A traditional memorial service will be planned later in the year. Memorials can be directed to Brookwood Baptist Church, The Arc of Central Alabama, or to the charity of your choice.