Dorann Gray

Dorann Gray departed this life on November 3, 2025, at Nugent's Nursing Home in Hermitage, PA. She was 97. She was born on November 13, 1927, in New Castle, PA, to the late Preston B. and Carrie M. (Bailey) Jones.
She graduated from New Castle High School in 1945. St. Luke's A.M.E. Zion Church in New Castle, PA, sponsored Dorann to attend Livingston College in Livingston, N.C., majoring in music. Dorann played drums for the New Castle Elks Bugle Corps.
Dorann was employed by People's Cleaners in Sharon, PA, as a Silk Presser. She was a member and Church Mother at New Life Covenant Church in Sharon. Dorann's activities included volunteering her services and playing the piano at the senior citizens center in Cleveland. She wrote, composed and played music. Other interests included painting pictures, art/drawings, gardening and puzzles. She was an avid and unbeatable chess player.
She is survived by her children; Robert E. Chavers, Jr., Debra Ann Artis, Vincent L. (Barbara) Chavers and Doreen Gray. 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters; Ruth Small, Carlotta Santori, both of Cleveland, OH, and Otha Jean Montgomery or Maryland.
Preceding her in death were her parents. Four sisters, Cora Rose Cohen, Marie Percell, Carrie Basham and Ella Jones. Two brothers, William Jones and Preston Jones. Two sons, Preston Van Chavers and Jamie Lynn McGowan.
Visitation will be held at New Life Covenant Church in South Pymatuning, PA, on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 pm with Pastor Patricia Tatum officiating.
Messages of sympathy, stories and photos can be shared on Dorann's memorial page, at: www.flynnfuneralhome.com.