Clara Jean Gray

Clara Jean Gray, age 79, of Stanton, TN., passed away peacefully on July 31, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on August 11, 1945 to Otis and Marsha Gilliam. Clara lived a life marked by dedication, strength, compassion, and an unwavering love for her family. A true Southern matriarch, Clara was known for her hardworking spirit and her deep love of the outdoors, especially her yard. With her beloved husband by her side, she maintained their yard to perfection, often joked to look like a golf course. She planted one of nearly every kind of flower, making her home a living garden of color, fragrance, and care. Clara's devotion to family knew no bounds. She raised her brothers like they were her own and cherished every visit with them as they all grew older. Her daughters always had what they needed to grow up, never going without, and her grandchildren were the light of her life. To Clara, they could do no wrong, and she spoiled them unapologetically. She was a Christian woman with a heart for gospel music and a soul that found joy in simple pleasures: fishing for hours with her husband, driving her dependable 1990 Chevy truck, finding bargains at yard sales, baking her famous strawberry cake and chocolate meringue pie, and turning holidays into magical family traditions. Clara was both gentle and fierce, affectionately known as her daughters' "my little firecracker." She had a routine for everything, including her legendary Saturday cleanings, even declaring "spring cleaning" no matter the season. She could stretch a dollar further than most and knew how to handle business when the time called for it. Though she didn't fancy dancing, she'd dance with her late husband just to make him smile; a smile that meant the world to her. Their love built not just a home, but a legacy rooted in faith, sacrifice, laughter, and unconditional love. Clara Jean Gray leaves behind a family who will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Her life was a testament to kindness, resilience, and the joy found in loving fiercely and living fully. She is now reunited with her beloved husband, son, parents, and siblings. We know she's smiling down on all of us as her hands are still gently tending to the flowers of Heaven. Clara is preceded in death by her parents: Otis Gilliam and Marsha Gray Gilliam, husband, Troy Gray, one son: Troy Gray Jr, one son-in-law: Bobby Cothran, three brothers, and three sisters. She is survived by her two daughters: Loretta Cothran and Cindy (Jim Bob) Brasfield both of Stanton, two brothers: James (Fredia) Gilliam and Rocky (Donna) Gilliam, three grandchildren: Lacie Brasfield of Covington, Robert "Rob" (Kayla) Cothran of Covington, and Daulton Cothran of Memphis, four great-grandchildren: Coriana Brasfield, Ryder Brasfield, Bubba Brasfield, and Journi Lyons, and a host of other family and friends.