Gloria L. Gray

Gloria Lavern Gray, 86, went home to be with her Lord on July 21, 2024, in Niceville, FL.

On October 15, 1937, Madlynne Francis McCullough and James Redding (JR) Young welcomed Gloria Laverne into the world in Pierce, Florida. When Gloria was 6 years old, Madlynne passed away and JR remarried Irene Jones who raised Gloria as if she were her own in the small communities around Mulberry, FL.

Gloria married Rollie Alexander Gray on September 13, 1965 where they pledged their love and dedication to one another. Rollie and Gloria called several areas in Florida home, before settling in Wellborn, FL. It is here they celebrated 51 years of marriage amongst their family and friends.

Gloria’s passion in life was to create a home of faith, love and respect. She imparted her love for God, through simple gestures - a good home-cooked meal, canning and sharing fresh produce from Rollie’s gardens, teaching grandkids how to cook, and her favorite - rocking great grandbabies. She worked tirelessly to support her “babies” education, by supporting the schools they attended, reading them stories and celebrating the victories each made. She even supported her son by travelling to his home for a month for several years - cooking, cleaning, washing and ensuring grandkid’s homework was accomplished while the parents worked long hours. This love has continued through recent years with the great grandkids – listening while they read, attending football games and band concerts. Gloria was an amazing Mom and Mawmaw and has set the standard we strive to follow. 

Gloria is known by many names; however, Mawmaw is her favorite. You could see her at band concerts, school assemblies, or sitting by the pool watching the weekend diving spectacle put on by the great grandchildren. She adored pushing her great grandchildren on her wheeled walker around the house. She was always available for baby snuggles to give new parents a reprieve from caring for a tiny human. She ensured there were always chocolate, candies, and sweet treats available for anyone who needed something sweet.  

Preceding Gloria in death is her husband, Rollie Gray, her father JR Young, mother Madlynne Young, and bonus mother, Irene Young.

Gloria is survived by her son Terry Gray (Cathy) of Niceville, FL and daughter Shari (Mike) Bruce of Franklin, NC, Grandchildren Chance Davis (Brandi) of Niceville, FL, Jenni Hunt (Jake) of Crestview, FL, Cody Gray of Thibodaux, LA, Caycee Gray (Eileen Brown) of Crestview, FL, and Great-Grandchildren Steven Davis, Aeryn Davis, Samuel Hunt, Adalynn Hunt, and Juliette Hunt.

In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to Eglin Pet Welfare or local Hospice.

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