Eva Gray

1923 - 2016

Deaconess Eva Delia Gray peacefully transitioned from mortality to immortality on September 13, 2016. She was the youngest of six children born on October 15, 1923 to Judge and Missouri Johnson in Yazoo County, Mississippi. She joined Union Paradise Church at twelve years of age. After graduating from Holmes County Training High School at fifteen years of age, she attended Alcorn A&M College and successfully completed her course of studies there at seventeen years of age. Thereafter, she attended Jackson College now known as Jackson State University. She moved to Chicago, Illinois in May, 1943 and married her high school sweet heart, Rudolph V. Gray, Sr. in November 1943. While in Chicago, she taught at St. Edmonds Nursery School. In 1950 she moved to Gary, Indiana and thereafter, in 1956, united with the First Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Robert Penn, Sr. She dedicated her life to the service of the Lord and represented Him well as a cherished Sunday School Teacher; member of the Missionary Society, Ruth Circle, Church Women United, the Intercessory Prayer Group and the Deaconess Board. The life that she poured out for Christ and her legacy of love will forever be cherished by her beloved children, Rudolph, Jr. (Rosetta - deceased) of Valparaiso, Indiana, Gregory, Sr. (Linda) of Montgomery, Alabama, Kenneth, Sr. (Veronica) of Dolton, Illinois, Patrice Gray-Mack of Gary, Indiana and Robert Johnson, Jr. of Fort Wayne, Indiana. She leaves the charge to replicate her life in Christ to her dear grandchildren, Robert (Patricia) Johnson III, Kevin (Cyndi) Johnson, Angelique (Craig) Thompson, Rudolph Gray III, Kijafa Forsythe, Gregory Gray, Jr., Kenneth (Tiffany) Gray, Jr., Terry Mack, Keith (Tenece) Mack and 12 precious great-grandchildren. She also leaves a host of relatives, friends and spiritual sons and daughters. Deaconess Gray joins her husband and daughter, Joyce Johnson, both of whom predeceased her, around God's throne. Today heaven rejoices and celebrates her as a Saint of the Most High God. Even though we "do not sorrow as those who have no hope," she thoughtfully left these words to those of us who remain: "Tell them that I loved the Lord, my children, other members of my family, my church, my neighbors and just everybody." "Celebration of Life" services will be held on Tuesday September 20, 2016 at 11:00a.m. with visitation preceding the services at 9:00a.m. at First Baptist Church 626 West 21st Avenue with Pastor Timothy Brown, officiating. Interment Evergreen Cemetery.