Mary Gray's Obituary
Mary Gray was born to the union of Jhonnie Mae Chester and
Henry Chester on February 27, 1934 in Charleston, Missouri.
She grew up in downtown Saint Louis where she attended
and graduated from Hadley Tech High School. Soon after she
obtained a degree in graphic design which she later used it
to work for HA Pope and Son.
She met and later married Leon “Pete” Gray and to this
union one daughter was born named LeAndrea Miller. Her
husband and daughter preceded her in death. Mae Charles
confirmed her faith in Jesus Christ at an early age. She
attended People’s Institutional Tabernacle under the
leadership of Hercules Miles, Jr.
Mary Gray was a hard worker who worked her whole life and
later on enjoyed retirement. She was a nurturer by nature
and opened her doors to all family that needed her. Her
family and friends were her delight. She was affectionately
known as Mae Charles by so many.
Mae Charles was a loving sibling, mother, grandmother,
great grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, cousin
and friend. Anyone that knew her knew that she was stern by
the book, a teacher of life and a giver of tough love. She
loved to cook, share quality time with family and friends and
educate. She found pleasure in sweets, watching her stories,
smoking her cigarettes, drinking her morning coffee, reading
the newspaper, telling the families history and providing
wisdom. Mae Charles lived her best life with those she loved.
She was truly loved and appreciated. She will surely be
missed.
Mae Charles was preceded in death by her siblings, Elnora,
Arthur “AC”, RosieAnna, Marie and Aaron and three great
grandchildren, Staci, Anthony, and Mario Sr. and a host of
other relatives.
She leaves to mourn: four grandchildren ~ Mark, Monthane,
James and Derrick; five great-grandchildren ~ Grenale, Rhonda,
LeAndrea, Marcus and Mecca; two great-great grandchildren
~ Maleek and Mario Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews,
cousins and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
