Obituaries
Willie Mae Gray, age 103, died February 17, 2024.
Willie Mae Simmons Smith Gray was born to Ada Lee and Willie Simmons on July 7, 1920 in Leeland, Mississippi. She grew up in the community of South Lake/Squirrel Lake in Darling, Mississippi, where she worked on the family farm and cherished singing hymns with her grandfather Rev. Burl Lee, a Methodist minister. Sometimes, she sang alongside him during his preaching travels. Willie Mae embraced Christianity at a young age and became a member of Pilgrim Rest United Methodist Church before relocating to Memphis, TN.
In 1936, she married Tommy Cal Smith Sr., and in 1946, they moved to Memphis with their five children: Tommy Cal (Zeffra) Smith, Willie Mae (Norman) Longmire, Molly (Sundida) Al-Ghani, Bernice (William) Brandon and John (Dorothy) Smith.
In 1946, Willie Mae joined Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church under Rev. J. M. Madison’s leadership, where she faithfully served until her health no longer permitted her active participation. She was deeply devoted to Pilgrim Rest, serving in various roles over her 78 of membership, including Choir Member and Director, Sunday school and BTU teacher, Missionary Board member, Kennedy Street Ministry participant, Board of Christian Education member, Church Pantry Coordinator, Deaconess Chairperson and member, and church secretary.
In 1952, Willie Mae married Otis Gray officiated by Rev. C.M. Lee and together they had two sons: Kilen (Cassandra) Gray and Kem (Bridgette) Gray.
Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Gray had a multitude of talents and hobbies, embodying the attributes of a Proverbs 31 woman. She excelled as a storyteller, farm worker, licensed teacher, cosmetologist, seamstress, tailor, singer (M & M Junior Girls Quartet), community activist, crafter, and independent home health care provider. Her hobbies included macramé, ceramics, quilting and gardening. She cherished spending time with her family, engaging in hands-on activities, traveling, and expressing her passion for fashion.
Above all, Willie Mae had a deep and abiding love for God, fostering a genuine personal relationship with Him. She passed down her faith to her children and grandchildren, embodying prayer, praise and hymns throughout her life, even until her final days. Willie Mae’s legacy is one of faith, service and love, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.
On February 17, 2024, Willie Mae completed God’s plan and purpose for her life. Preceding her in death are her husband Otis Gray, oldest son Tommy Cal Smith Jr., and his wife Zeffra and daughter-in-law Bridgette Gray.
Mrs. Gray leaves to cherish her loving memory: 6 children, 22 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, 32 great great-grandchildren, and 8 great great great-grandchildren, 3 great great great great-grandchildren; also a host of relatives and friends.
“Well done my good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
Matthew 25:23
Serenity Funeral Home, Tel. (901) 379-0861.
Previous Events
Visitation
2
Mar
491 E. McLemore Avenue
Memphis, TN 38106
Service
2
Mar
491 E. McLemore Avenue
Memphis, TN 38106
Cemetery Details
Location
4536 Horn Lake Rd.
Memphis, TN 38109
