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Twyla Gray Obituary

October 26, 1954 - October 3, 2011 OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma County District Judge Twyla Mason Gray died Monday, Oct. 3, 2011 after a lengthy fight with breast cancer. Judge Gray, born Oct. 26, 1954, was a native of Tulsa who graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma and earned her J.D. from the University of Tulsa. She worked in private industry as general counsel and chief financial officer for Laser Tech Color and as an executive for B/M/C Advertising. Her public service roles included service as a member of the Oklahoma Legislature from 1980 through 1984 and as chief of staff for the Mayor of Tulsa. She also served as an assistant to Congressman James Jones of Tulsa and as a municipal judge for the City of Oklahoma City. Judge Gray was elected District Judge in 1998 and was subsequently elected to three additional terms. In 2008 the Oklahoma Gang Investigators Association named her Judge of the Year. She was an active member of the Oklahoma and Oklahoma County Bar Associations and the Oklahoma Judicial Conference. Judge Gray was also active in many community organizations, including Redlands Council Girl Scouts, who named her a Woman of Distinction in 2002. She was a member of Class XIV of Leadership Oklahoma City and was named an outstanding alumna by UCO, where she was a member of the College of Liberal Arts Advisory Board. She served on the Boards of the YMCA, the Recovery Coalition, the House Campaign for Oklahoma Kids and the Travelers Aid Society, and was a preceptor at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Judge Gray was also an active volunteer and supporter of the Oklahoma Library for the Blind and a member of Acts2 United Methodist Church in Edmond, where she served on the Administrative Council. Judge Gray was also active in the Stephens Ministry, a lay outreach project of her church. She was a member of the South Oklahoma City Rotary Club. Following her diagnosis of breast cancer, Judge Gray continued to serve actively on the bench and as a volunteer mentor for other breast cancer patients. Judge Gray is survived by her husband, Charles, of the home; her mother, Mildred Mason of Tulsa; a daughter, Sarah; brother, Brian; nephew, Billy; nieces, Jennifer and Lauren. She was preceded in death by her father, Willard Mason, and sister, Teresa. There will be no public viewing or visitation. Services will be at St. Luke's Methodist Church, 222 NW 15th in Oklahoma City, 2 pm Thurs., Oct. 6, 2011, with graveside services at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to: Acts2 United Methodist Church, 4848 West Covell Road, Edmond, Oklahoma 73012, (405) 359-2287. Friends may leave condolences at www.vondelsmithmortuary.com www.vondelsmithmortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oklahoman from Oct. 5 to Oct. 6, 2011.

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October 5, 2011

I have a very special place in my heart for Judge Gray. I would love to share with her family my story of how she has... and always will be an inspiration to me. I faced a long time in prison battling a drug addiction and several felony charges when I stood up in front of her that day a little over five years ago. I decided to put my faith in the system and Judge Gray... entering in a blind plea of guilty. I was at her mercy and I was terrified. I know she was a hard judge - but she was fair and stood for what was right. She saw through people who were not going to hold up to their end of the bargain - but gave chances to those who she truly believed were going to live it. If it weren't for her... I wouldn't have gone on to finish college at the University of Oklahoma and get a great job! I say it was her that gave me this opportunity but she sent me a graduation card that read "Thank you for letting me know of this great success. I may have played a small part in giving you an opportunity, but YOU made something of it!" She believed in me. I think about her daily and thank God for the second chance. I have been clean for six years now and love my life. Thank you Mrs. Gray for believing in me and allowing to persevere with a life of recovery. You were more than a judge. You were a truly admirable and great woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this time. Special prayers to your daughter as I can only imagine what it would be like to lose my best friend. May peace be with everyone who loves you. We will meet again... but next time in a beautiful place facing life.... eteral life.

October 5, 2011

Charlie, Danny and I are sad to learn of Twyla's death. She was an amazing leader and I know you and Sara were proud of her many accomplishments. I keep remembering what a wonderful cook and hostess she was. Sincerely, Gail and Danny McDonald

Dianna Phillips

October 5, 2011

I knew Twyla as a state rep and had the privilege of working with her on a number of bills. She was one heck of a person!

October 5, 2011

My prayers are with your entire family. Judge Gray was a blessing to my family many years ago and she will always hold a special place in my family's heart. May God bless you all and comfort you in this time of need.
Amy Johnson

Tracy Hill

October 5, 2011

Charley and Sarah,

Our prayers are with you both and your family.

Jim and Tracy Hill

October 5, 2011

Charley
Shirley, Cathy, Carol and I send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and Sarah for the loss of your loved one. May God bless and comfort you.

Darrell Curtis

Joyce Allen

October 5, 2011

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

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