ELIZABETH DODSON GRAY

1929 - 2022

GRAY, Elizabeth Dodson Liz passed away in her sleep on Jan. 7, 2022, at the age of 92. She was born on July 13, 1929 to Lillian and Fitzhugh Dodson in Baltimore, MD. Liz graduated from Smith College as a History major with Phi Beta Kappa distinction in 1951. She continued her education receiving a MA degree from Yale Divinity School in 1954. This is where she met the love of her life, David Sperry Gray. They were married for 58 years until David passed away in 2015. They had two children, Lisa Fearney Gray Jackson and Jonathan Hunter Gray; and an "as-if" daughter Melisa Stern. She was blessed with five grandchildren, Tricia Gray, Jon-Hunter Gray, John Jackson, III, Samuel Sperry Jackson, and Marie Jackson Stoltz; and one great-granchild, Elizabeth Stoltz. David was an Episcopal minister ordained in 1957. He left the parish ministry in 1972 to partner with Liz in what they termed an "Issues Centered Ministry." They authored eight books (seven of Liz's and one of David's) and lectured globally on the issues of the day; from Sustainable Growth to Eco-feminism. From their home in Wellesley, Liz and David operated "The Bolton Institute for a Sustainable Future" and "The Roundtable Press." For years, Liz would sit in their sunny living room writing on her pad of paper and then David made the computer "magic" happen! Liz was very proud of her final book, her memoir "Walking My Yellow Brick Road." Liz was the program director for the "Theological Opportunities Program" (a/k/a TOP) at Harvard Divinity School from 1978-2010 where her devoted group met every Thursday supporting and mentoring each other. TOP was another partnership of love and brilliance for both Liz and David. She retired at the age of 85 when they both moved to their son's home in Ogden, UT. After David's passing she moved to Scottsdale, AZ, to live with her daughter and family. She lived a healthy and intellectually nourished retirement. We miss you greatly Mom! Your presence was always respected and appreciated! A Memorial Service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Newton on June 18, 2022, at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Autismspeaks.org

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