Loris Gray

Loris G. Gray SMITHFIELD - Mrs. Loris Gwaltney Gray, 92, departed this life April 15, 2010. Mrs. Gray was born in Ivor, Va., Aug. 22, 1918 to the late Pembroke and Lillie Green Gwaltney. Mrs. Gray was educated in the Isle of Wight public schools in Smithfield. She continued her pursuit of education by attending clerical and nursing schools in the Tidewater area. She retired as a licensed vocational nurse from Portsmouth General Hospital. She made Jesus a part of her life from early childhood at Mount Sinai Baptist Church then at the Hill Street Baptist Church and until her passing at the Main Street Baptist Church where Dr. James Harrison is pastor. Mrs. Gray was affiliated with the Eastern Star and Elks. She was married to the late Charles H. Gray Sr. to whom four children were born to this union. She was an avid PTA supporter during her children's tenure in the Isle of Wight public schools. Mrs. Gray was an accomplished seamstress and a tremendous supporter of all church activities. She was the founder of the Seniors Ministry at Main Street, VIVIDS (Vital Vigorous Dedicated Seniors). Mrs. Gray is survived by her four children, Loris Gray Jones of Los Angeles, Charles H. Jr. (Valerie) of Richmond, Va., LaVerne Gray Davis, Ed. D. of Los Angeles; and T.C. Gray, M.S. of Chesapeake; two sisters-in-law, Gertrude Gwaltney of Ivor and Margaret Gwaltney of Newark, N.J.; seven grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family respectfully requests that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made in her name to the Main Street Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 159, Smithfield, VA 23431. A funeral will be held at 9 a.m. Monday, April 19, at Main Street Baptist Church, 517 Main St., Smithfield. Viewing will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today, April 17, at Tynes-Edwards Funeral Service, 19 E. Main St., Smithfield, and 5 until 5:55 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at the church preceding the wake which begins at 6 p.m.