Molly Gray

Molly Gray, 94, formerly of Springfield, died at 6:10 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2003 at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Petersburg. Molly was born May 26, 1908 in Springfield, the daughter of Mathew and Johanna Kren Furlich. She married Miles Gray, Esq. in 1932; he preceded her in death on January 3, 1989. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two sisters: Albena Hammitt and Erma Sabo. Molly was a member of First Christian Church. She was a life member and past president of the Springfield Civic Garden Club, the Garden Club of Illinois and the National Council of State Garden Clubs. Molly was a charter member of Lincoln Memorial Garden and a sixty-year volunteer. She was a past president and life member of the Springfield Ceramic and Craft Club, a member of the Springfield Art Association, The Brinkerhoff Home Auxiliary, Chapter FUPEO, Ikebana International (St. Louis Chapter), the Springfield Polka Club and Kings Daughters. She received an award of Recognition for a lifetime of outstanding and dedicated service presented by Lincoln Memorial Garden Foundation Board of Directors, J.C. Penny Golden Rule Award on behalf of the community for exceptional volunteer service and she also received the Service to Mankind Award by Springfield Sertoma Clubs for Significant and Meritorious Service to Mankind. Surviving are two nieces: Sharon Sabo Kirberg of San Jose, CA, Cindy Hammitt (husband, John) Morrow of Mission Viejo, CA, two nephews: Lawrence “Larry” Sabo of Petersburg, George M. (wife, Pat) Sabo of Jonesboro, LA, several great nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews and cousins. Friends may call at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home from 5-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 14, 2003. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 15, 2003 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home with Reverend Rick Irwin. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery in Petersburg Memorial contributions may be made to Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden Foundation, Inc., 2301 East Lake Dr., Springfield, IL 62707 or First Christian Church 700 S. 6th St., Springfield, IL 62703 or Brinkerhoff Home 1500 N. 5th St., Springfield, IL 62702. The family of Molly Gray is being served by Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.