BELTON – Shirley Dean Gray, 79, of Belton, went home to meet her heavenly Father Sunday, May 19, 2024 in Louisville. Born February 7, 1945, in Muhlenberg County, and she was a member of First Assembly of God in Greenville. Known fondly as Mamaw by her grandchildren, she was the typical southern grandmother. Every Sunday her home became the epicenter of the family, where she would cook for an army and feed whomever walked through the door. She was well known for her quilt making, making one for each grandchild and great-grandchild that came into the world. She was an amazing seamstress, fixing anything from a hem to a dress for a grandchild’s doll. Her love for gardening was evident in the abundance of vegetables you would find at any given moment on the kitchen table during the summer. Canning was a passion of hers, and one that was very appreciated by anyone who had the opportunity to taste her cooking. Countless nights she spent up into the wee hours of the morning standing over a pressure cooker to finish one last jar. Her love for her family was evident in the way she would bring everyone together for holidays and say, “well, what’s your hurry?” when it was time to go. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Golda Ward; first husband, William Johnson; brothers, Waymon Ward, Ronnie Ward, Jerry Ward; sister, Mae Chumley; grandson, Johnathan Gray.
Survivors include her husband, Samuel Glen Gray of Belton; sons, Harold (Linda) Johnson, and Glen Edward (Johnna) Gray; daughters, Jennifer (Billy) Moore, and Samantha (Adam) Mefford; brothers, Marvin Ward, Bucky Ward, and Steve Ward; sister, Darlene Toomey; grandsons, Ethan (Angelique) Moore, Drew Johnson, and Chris Freels; granddaughters, Megan Williams, Molly (Lee) Humphrey, Hannah (Jacob) Groves, Grayce and Raylan Mefford; great-grandsons, Jenson Moore, Arlen Johnson, Paxton Gray, Grayson Humphrey; great-granddaughters, Khloe Williams, Keelin Moore, Charlee and Hadley Humphrey, Wren Groves, and Ryleigh Freels; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 2 p.m. at First Assembly of God in Greenville with Bro. Ed Tackett officiating, assisted by her nephew, Pete Hedgepath. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the church. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com. Tucker Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
