Gwendolyn Stinson Gray

GWENDOLYN STINSON GRAY Gwendolyn Stinson Gray, beloved widow of Dr. Samuel James Gray, passed away January 4, 2014 surrounded by her family. She was born in Cotton Plant, AK on February 6th, 1922 and was the last surviving sibling of 11 children, 7 born to Hyder Moralton Stinson and Leona Darby Stinson, and 4 from a previous marriage. She is survived by her three daughters, Diana Gray of Jamaica, NY; Dr. Charmaine Gray of Atlanta, GA; Antoinette (Tonye) Gray of Wilmington, NC; 2 step children, Dr. Arthur Gray of New York, NY and Rosalind Gray of Jamaica, WI. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, 10 nieces and nephews and many cousins. Gwendolyn Gray was an accomplished concert pianist who studied at The Juilliard School and the American Conservatory of Music. She was also very active in the area's musical community including work within New Hanover & Pender County Schools, UNCW and the Thalian Association of Wilmington. Her faith was deeply rooted in the Presbyterian Church as evidenced by her study at McCormick Theological Seminary and she was a great supporter of the Catholic community in which her children were raised, especially the St. Thomas Parish. She and her husband were well respected within the business communities in Wilmington, and were prolific entrepreneurs founding many businesses which were cornerstones of the African American community, including but not limited to Greyhound Taxi and Rainbow Laundry. Along with her husband, she played an integral part in the development of Topsail Beach. A celebration of her life will be scheduled at a later date. Condolences to the family may be sent to 4800 Grouse Woods Dr., Wilmington, NC 28411. In lieu of flowers, the family of Gwendolyn Stinson Gray has established a fund through the Arts Council of Wilmington to honor her lifelong passion for classical music. Donations may be made to Arts Council of Wilmington care of the Gwendolyn Stinson Gray Classical Music Fund.