Glenna Gray

1936 - 2017

Gray, Glenna

Glenna Burkley Gray, age 80, of Larchmont, passed away on Wednesday, March 1, 2017. She was uncommonly strong and put forth an admirable battle against the cancer within her and did not go gentle into that good night. She had a true zest for life.

Glenna was born to the late George R. Burkley and Ida Mae Hodgson Burkley on April 12, 1936. She was married to Vincent M. Gray from 1964 until his death in 1996. She was a retired school teacher from the Board of Education in NYC. She had a passion for teaching and learning. She attended George Washington High School in Manhattan, before attending Hunter College for her undergraduate degree and Hofstra University for her M.A..

Glenna hosted a television show entitled Community Connections for LMCTV for several years. She was active in a number of organizations and assumed many leadership positions within them. She was a founding member of Operation Ahead in Mamaroneck, a member of The Interfaith Council, The Women's Club of Larchmont, The League of Women Voters, The Human Rights Committee, The Black Women's Political Caucus, and Jack and Jill of America. Glenna was also a longtime member of St. John's Episcopal Church. It was important for her to be meaningfully engaged in life. Her knowledge base was extensive and she shared that information with others as a teacher and as a social advocate.

Family and friends were Glenna's love and joy and she would travel to visit with them nationally and internationally. She grew up spending holidays with her family and extended relatives. She loved to eat well, watch classic movies, and have dynamic conversations. She enjoyed Jamaica and its food and yearned to visit the island one more time. Nonetheless, her true love was New York City.

Glenna is survived by her two children, Kimberly Howard and Kraig Gray, their spouses Christopher Howard and Dawn Gray as well as her four grandchildren Charlotte, Owen, Lincoln and Lena. Glenna also leaves behind a sister Lorrelle Henry and many caring relatives and friends. Her younger brother Orville predeceased her in 1972.

Glenna's life will be celebrated at a memorial service on April 15th at the Wainwright House in Rye, NY. Donations may be made in Glenna's name in lieu of flowers to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th Street, New York, NY 10022, www.bcrfcure.org.