Michelle Somerville Gray

Michelle LaToya Somerville was born in Covington, Tennessee, on May 1, 1975, to Mary and Jesse Somerville. As one of seventeen children, Michelle grew up surrounded by family, love, and resilience, qualities she carried with her throughout her life. She graduated from Covington High School and later attended Middle Tennessee State University. After discovering her true passion, Michelle pursued cosmetology at Empire Beauty School in Memphis, Tennessee, where she began building the career that would become her life’s calling.

Michelle flourished as both a cosmetologist and an educator. From teaching in the classroom to owning multiple salons to ultimately serving as an Executive Director at Empire Education Group, Michelle possessed an extraordinary gift for the beauty industry. She not only transformed hair she inspired confidence, mentored others, and opened doors for countless students and professionals who followed in her footsteps.

In 2004, Michelle met the love of her life, Lonnie Terrell Gray Sr., on a blind date in Atlanta, Georgia. From that moment on, their connection was undeniable. Michelle and Lonnie shared a beautiful, one-of-a-kind love that anyone could recognize the moment you met them. Over 22 wonderful years together, they built a strong marriage, a loving home, and a blended family all rooted in devotion across Georgia and Kentucky. Michelle embraced her stepchildren: Lonnie Terrell Gray Jr., Christian Terrell Scott Gray, and Victoria Elaine Gray, as her own. And together she and Lonnie were blessed with their daughter, Isabella Elizabeth Gray.

Michelle was a beautiful and classy woman whose smile could light up any room and whose laughter could be heard from miles away. She was kind but strong, loving yet determined, a woman who never allowed her kindness to be mistaken for weakness. Whatever role she stepped into, she showed up fully and gave her best. Michelle had a special way of making people feel welcomed, seen, and heard. She believed deeply in treating others with love, respect, and compassion. While Michelle Gray will be deeply missed, we find comfort in knowing her Heavenly Father has called her home.

She was preceded in death by her loving mother and father, Mary and Jesse Somerville; her son, Christian Gray; her beautiful niece, Charmaine Somerville; and her brother, Jesse Somerville. She leaves to celebrate her life. Her family: Lonnie Gray Sr., Isabella Gray, Lonnie Gray Jr., and Victoria Gray.

Her siblings: Doris Buckner (Leedell), Queen Thompson (Tommy), Katie Somerville, Jimmy Somerville, Bertha Somerville, Will Somerville (Sandra), Clinton Somerville (Regina), Joanne Zachery (Mitchell), Marvin Somerville (Carol), Bruce Somerville (Erika), Timothy Somerville, Milton Somerville (Annease), Anthony Somerville, Densie Somerville, Carlos Somerville.

A host of nieces, nephews, loving family members, and friends.

A visitation will be held at Roswell Funeral Home, located at 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076, on February 27, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

The Celebration of Life will follow at the same location at 11:00 am

A committal service will take place at Green Lawn Cemetery and Mausoleum, 950 Mansell Rd, Roswell, GA 30076 immediately following the Celebration of Life.