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Kate Gray

1917 - 2013

BORN

1917

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Webb & Stephens Funeral Home - Union

205 North Street

Union, Mississippi

Kate Gray Obituary

Kate McElwee Graham Gray

Oct. 19, 1917 - Feb. 1, 2013

Long Beach, MS

Mrs. Kate Graham Gray

UNION—Services for Mrs. Norma Kate McElwee Graham Gray, 95, of Decatur, will be held Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 at 11:00 a. m., at Beulah Baptist Church, with Rev. Byron Howell and Rev. Gary Rivers officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery, with Stephens Funeral Home of Union in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Gray, affectionately known as "Mama Kate", entered peacefully into the presence of her Heavenly Father, Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 at her daughter's home in Long Beach, MS. She was born to Herman and Lora Smith McElwee on Oct. 19, 1917 in Newton County, MS and grew up in Decatur, MS. She later married William Eugene (Genie) Graham of Decatur, and he served in World War I in the Navy.

Kate was an active member of Beulah Baptist Church. At the time of her death, she was the oldest living member of her church. She was a woman of God and a student of the Bible. She loved her Sunday School class and enjoyed teaching it for many years.

At the age of 50, after she had raised her family, Kate earned her nursing degree from MCC. While there, she became a member of Phi Theta Kappa. She spent 8 years as a traveling nurse and later worked at Laird Hospital of Union for many years. Her desire was to work until 80 years of age

She was a member of the Eastern Star, Gold Star Mothers, Newton County Genealogical Society, and the American Legion.

Among her favorite activities were reading, cooking and traveling. One of her most adventurous trips was going to Ireland with her three sisters seeking out their Irish heritage. Her all-time favorite trips were the many she took to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Known as a loving, caring woman, she always helped people in time of need. Kate loved life and lived it to the fullest and her desire was to be remembered as a woman of substance.

Survivors include her daughter Charlotte Nabors (James) of Long Beach, MS; Sons Gene K. Graham (Jerry) of Fairhope, AL; Jerry Graham (Dewilla) of Decatur, MS; John Henry Graham (Velma) of Union, MS; and James S. Graham (Brenda) of Little Rock, MS; 13 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister Helen Kramer of Gretna, LA; sister-in-law Eiko McElwee of Oklahoma City, OK and a host of nieces and nephews. She is also survived by step-sons Eugene Gray of Meridian, MS and Allen Gray of Jackson, MS; 3 step-grandchildren and 5 step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands Genie Graham and Clarence Gray; parents Herman and Lora McElwee; sons Byran Mack and Joe Graham; grandson Jason Nabors; sisters Havis Caldwell and Wilmer Ledbetter; brothers Wilbur, Joe and Herman McElwee, Jr.

Pall bearers will be her grandsons: John K. Graham, Travis Graham, Jimmy Nabors, Jeff Nabors, Michael Graham and Mark Graham.

Memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society or Gideon's International.

The family wishes to express gratitude to Dr. Joel Callahan and the caring nurses at Odessey Hospice on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 7 from 5:00-8:00 PM at Stephens Funeral Home of Union, MS.

Published by The Sun Herald on Feb. 6, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

I was very saddened to hear of Mrs. Kate's passing. She had such a profound influence on me as I embarked on my healthcare journey as an orderly at Laird Hospital. I began working with her when I was 17 as this was my very first job in healthcare. She inspired me in many ways, and also never hesitated to correct me and " put me in my place" teaching me valuable lessons about respect and following the chain of command. She encouraged me to enter nursing school and supported me throughout my journey. Over the years, we kept in touch and she always called to "check on me". I will miss her dearly as she truly left a wonderful legacy. My prayers and condolences to the family...

Dan Savell

February 8, 2013

Loved Mama Kate a great southern lady.

Mark Killens

February 8, 2013

I was sorry to hear about Kate. I always enjoyed being around her,
and listening to her talk.

Lucy H. Vance

February 7, 2013

Kate, will always be remember by me as a woman who always had something to say. My wife and I enjoyed chatting with her just a few days ago at Biil Smith's birthday party. She always made a big effort to come over and help celebrate birthdays with my family. But at this time, Judy and I want to pass on our condolences to the Graham family. Mike and Judy Smith, aka Pepper

February 7, 2013

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

The Staff of Stephens Funeral Home

February 6, 2013

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Webb & Stephens Funeral Home - Union

205 North Street, Union, MS 39365

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