Nancy Kay Gray

Mrs. Nancy Behrns Gray, 66, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, December 14, 2023 at her residence. She was beginning to wrap Christmas presents for her grandchildren and laid down to take a rest. She passed away peacefully and woke up in the arms of her Savior. A Celebration of Life will be held at St. James United Methodist Church on January 12, at 5:30 pm in the Christian Life Ministries Center. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service beginning at 4:00 pm. Nancy was born to the late Wayne and Carol Hetzer Behrns and was raised in the beautiful farmlands of Dieterich, Illinois. She was a graduate of Dieterich High School, class of 1975. She then completed her Bachelor of Science at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and her Masters of Arts in Communication at the University of Iowa. Nancy started her career as a photo journalist and was the first Editor of East Magazine. She was a strong advocate of Arts and non-profits in Eastern North Carolina. She was a member of Saint James United Methodist Church. Nancy will be fondly remembered for her love of family and being an incredible Grancy to her grandchildren. She enjoyed porch time with the love of her life, husband Stephen. They enjoyed traveling, taking in Broadway, good food and wine, taking walks and spending time in the mountains and the coast. She especially had a deep love for her family farm in Dieterich, Illinois. Nancy has always said that Life is not about the destination, it's about the journey. And from now on, she will forever be our North Star. A loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Nancy will be greatly missed by the many who knew and loved her. In addition to her parents, Nancy was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Bob Gray; Mother-in-law, Georgia Gray; Sister-in-law, Jenifer Palazzolo; Uncle, Denver Hetzer; and Aunt, Evelyn Vail. She is survived by husband of 41 years, Stephen James Gray; sons, Kyle Gray and wife, Chelsea, of Brevard, Andrew Gray and wife, Meg, of Boone and Evan Gray of Mooresville; grandchildren, Emerson, Miles, Shepherd, Bowman, Porter and another one on the way; brother, David Behrns of Dieterich, IL; Uncle, Lyle Behrns of Dieterich, IL; And numerous beloved in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial contributions may be made to: Heart for ENC, P.O. Box 3738, Greenville, NC 27836 or heartforenc.org. Online condolences at www.wilkersonfuneralhome.com