Joan Carol Gray

Joan Maxsom Gray, former resident of Niagara Falls, NY, Raleigh, NC, Murrells Inlet, SC, and most recently Niceville, FL, passed away July 18, 2020 at the age of 77. She was born December 15, 1942 in Niagara Falls, NY.

Joan knew no strangers. Her vibrant, outgoing personality instantly made her a friend to everyone she met. Joan grew up the oldest of two children in Niagara Falls. She met the love of her life Ian at La Salle High School. Together they raised two children, Bryan and Cheryl, who are her pride and joy. Joan extraordinarily and faithfully supported her family as a dental hygienist for many years in Newport News, VA. Joan was the mighty force that navigated and eased the many challenges encountered with career moves for Ian which took them from Newport News, VA, to Charleston, WV, to Raleigh, NC. After Ian’s retirement from Prudential Insurance, they moved to Blowing Rock, NC, where they became the new owners of the Mountainaire Inn and Log Cabins. After 10 years they decided to retire for a second time to Murrells Inlet, SC. They became extremely active in their new neighborhood, church, and community with the opening of Joan's Place. Many years later, Joan and Ian moved to Niceville, FL, to be closer to family. While in Niceville, Joan became involved with the Senior Center, volunteered at the High School, and served meals each month with the church.

Joan was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years Ian Gray, her sister Judith Mueller (Frank) of Charlottesville, VA, son Bryan Gray (Karen) of Denver, CO, daughter Cheryl Strickler (Ben) of Niceville, FL and four grandchildren who were Joan’s world – Taylor and Thomas Strickler and Alexandra and Connor Gray.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Joan at the Niceville Crosspoint Church Campus, (214 Partin Drive South, Niceville, FL 32578), on Saturday, July 25, 2020. Visitation at 10:00am, Service at 11:00am. A reception will follow at 157 Baywind Drive - all are invited. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Crosspoint Church. https://crosspoint.church/givenow/

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