Mother Bernice Gray, affectionately known as Madea, one of the most memorable personalities in Grady, Ark., entered eternal rest surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, August 16, 2015 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Born on February 28, 1920 to the late Wiley, Sr. and Everlina Lately in Moscow, Ark., Bernice Gray was a special child. She confessed hope in Christ and was baptized at the tender age of 12.
For nearly 70 years, Mother Gray served faithfully at Damascus Missionary Church in Grady, Ark., under the leadership of several pastors who preceded her from this life. Her current pastor of over 20 years was Rev. Robert Scott, Sr. She loved and respected Rev. Scott and the entire Damascus Missionary Baptist Church family.
Preceded in death by her husband of 74 years, Deacon Roy H. Gray (2011), two brothers: Wiley Lately Jr. (2015), Major Harris (1989), two sisters: Altha Lee Mayzes (2002), Earnestine Johnson (1975), two sons: Clarence Gray (1947), Arvan Gray (2013), three daughters: Geraldine Gray (1943), Freddie Mae Huggins (1991), and Verla Sanders (2015).
Mother Gray leaves to cherish her memories: three sons: Roy Gray, Jr. of Grady, AR; Eddie (Barbara) Gray of Tallahassee, FL; LeVaughn (Kellen) Gray of Pine Bluff, AR; two daughters: Elizabeth Autman of St. Louis, Mo.; Betty Gray of Atlanta, Ga.; 30 grandchildren (three of which were her caregivers until her passing: Tarnell Rancifer, Nickie Gray, and Laterra Gray), 41 great grandchildren and 14 great-great grandchildren, a special niece: Eunice Mayzes; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and faithful church family and friends.
A Service of Praise and Thanksgiving for the Life of Mother Bernice Gray will be 10:30 A.M. Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Damascus Missionary Baptist Church, 10200 Grady Avenue, Grady, AR 71644. Interment immediately following the funeral in Forrest Lawn Memorial Garden, 6402 Princeton Pike, Pine Bluff, AR 71602 by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff.
Visitation will be Friday, August 21, from 7:30 p.m.. – 8:30 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, 2704 Commerce Circle, Pine Bluff, AR 71601. The body will lie in repose Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time. The Repast will take place at 500 School Drive, Grady, AR 71644 post the burial. The family will be gathered at 6304 Mayfield Drive, Pine Bluff, AR, 71603 after the Repast.