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Violet GRAY Obituary
She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Gray; a daughter, Violet M. Thomas; and a son, the Rev. David A. Williams Sr.; her parents, Sherman and Lonniell White; a brother, Sherman White Jr.; and a sister, Elizabeth White.
She is survived by daughters, Ann Powell of Hampton, Janice Williams of Newport News; sons, Joseph H. Williams Jr. (Gail) of Hampton, Peter S. Williams (Sandra) of Newport News, and the Rev. Andrew J. Williams Sr. (Gladys) of Hampton; one daughter-in-law, one son-in-law; 19 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren; six sisters and one brother, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Celebration services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, 2010, at Messiah Baptist Church, Newport News, with the Rev. Dano Armstrong officiating. Burial will follow at Pleasant Shade Cemetery. A viewing will be from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Funeral Home.
Arrangements are under the direction of O.H. Smith and Son Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Ave. Newport News, Va. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Violet GRAY
Laura Jones, HHS 1967
October 10, 2010
Janice
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother.
Janene Armstrong
October 9, 2010
Although the race is over for her, an angel has returned to heaven. Praying your grief will be short, and the celebration of her life will live forever!! Love you!!
George Bailey
October 8, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Jeffrey Gatling
October 8, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Evelyn Washington White
October 7, 2010
To The Williams and Gray families:
I was saddened to hear of your loss. Know that my prayers are with each of you.Hold on to your memories, and let them carry you through this diffult time. Mrs. Gray and I have kept in touch through Chrstmas cards since she was the organist at my father's funeral,in 1983.
Remember Shiloh Baptist Church
Rodeana Bean
October 7, 2010
To the Family,
It has only been shortly over a year since the Bean and Williams families were joined together by the marriage of Anita and Jason, but Ms. Violet was as dear to us as if we had known her all our lives. She was such a beacon of light and joy. I personally enjoyed her company very much. She will be sorely missed. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family-especially Janice, Jason and Anita.
We love you and continue to pray for your healing at this time.
Charles Ford
October 7, 2010
To The Family,
A life, Violet M. Gray,which started out as a beautiful melody, added harmony with her love for Christ and service to the church, accompanied by complex rhythms with the addition of family, children and grandchildren, reaching a resounding crescendo, measure after measure, with her participation in musical organizations; the score now indicates a full measure of rest. “There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.” All of us in concert respond with a full chorus of Amen, Well Done!
Darlene Davis
October 7, 2010
I will truly miss our sister in Christ at the Hampton Musician and Organist Guild. What a beautiful name for a beautiful person, "Violet". God bless each family member. If I can be of any help, please do not hesitate to call me.
October 7, 2010
To the Williams Family,
On behalf of the McMillian Family we send our condolences to each and every one of you. When I read about the passing of your mother memories started to run in my head regarding the times that we had at Messiah Baptist Church,singing in the choir and Mrs. Gray playing for us. She has touch so many people with her music and words of wisdom. May God bless each and everyone of you.
Sherry Richardson (McMillian) and Family
O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home
October 7, 2010
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
October 5, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of your lost and the Williams & Gray families have my condolences. Be blessed. From Mrs. Vergie M. McLaurin of The Ministers Wives
Shenay and Maggielean Lewis
October 4, 2010
To the Williams and Gray Families:
When there are no words to soften the pain…may your spirit be touched by the love of God that surrounds you and slowly may the healing begin. We are praying that the peace of God will be with your family.
October 3, 2010
We love you grandmom. You were kind, full of life, excepted nothing but our very best and made us smile everytime we would see your lovely face. God picked His Violet on October 1 for His Garden. Rest on, Love Trina
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O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home3009 Chestnut Avenue, Newport News, VA 23607
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