Earnestine Gray

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Earnestine Gray

November 14, 1947 – July 23,2025

With deep love and heavy hearts, the family of Mrs. Earnestine Gray announces her peaceful transition from this life. Born on November 14, 1947, in Stringtown, Mississippi to the late Joseph Wright Sr. and Lillie Mae (Wigfield) Wright, Earnestine lived a life marked by faith, compassion, and an unshakable devotion to her family and community.

She graduated from Nugent Center High School in Benoit, Mississippi, in 1966, and later earned an Associate Degree in Food Service Management from St. Philips Community College in 2005. Her chef's skills and heart brought joy and comfort to many, especially during her 17.5 years at the Harlequin Dinner Theatre at Fort Sam Houston. She retired from the San Antonio Independent School District in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of service, excellence, and love.

Earnestine was united in marriage to the late James Gray on March 5, 1967. Their union resulted in four children: Michael (Ida) Gray, Lori Gray, and Stephanie Gray. San Antonio, Texas; and George (Shawn) Gray of Stafford, Virginia.

She is lovingly remembered by her siblings: Joseph (Beverley) Wright, Johnnie Lollie) Wright, Ella McPherson, Stephanie (Cleo) Walton of Greenville, MS, and Nathaniel (Tina) Wright of Columbus, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her sisters Barbara Scott, Lee Fronia (Lucy) Phillips, and a grandson George S Gray.

A beloved grandmother, she leaves behind twenty-six grandchildren whose lives were deeply influenced by her grace and wisdom. Among them are Brandon Gray, Tawana N. Gray, Ashley N. Davis, Tremaine Edwards, Ophilia Jackson, Jonathan Jackson, Denisha Gray, Dewayne M. Gray, Amber Wilson, Monique Wilson, Shantel Ellison, Kia Ellison and Pastephone Taylor (San Antonio, TX); Marquita Daniels (Ft. Worth, TX); Isaiah Jackson (Colorado Springs, CO); ShaVawn (Timothy) Leftwich (Danville, VA); Terron Gray (West Columbia, SC); Latae'Veion Woods (Petersburg, VA); Teresa Williams (Detroit, MI);

She leaves behind 21 great-grand-children Karrell Johnson, Elijah Hadley, Chanaya Stargell (Detroit , Michigan); Grayson M. Calamita ( Louisville, KY); TerMarien Gray ( Battle Creek, MI); Najila Gray (Columbus, OH); Nova Gray (West Columbia, SC); Tierani Howard, Aamiah Edwards, Ja'Khari McDaniel, Kei'Onte McDaniel, Janell Washington, Adam King, David Edwards, Isaiah Edwards, Jai'Len Winston, Jazmine Gray (San Antonio, TX); Cameron Winston (Pensacola, FL.), Ashton Davis, Ashlynn Davis, Asher Davis. She leaves behind two great-great grand-children Aniyah Royalty Hill (San Antonio, TX.); Sariyah Jackson (Colorado Springs, Co.) And a few great great grands, nieces and nephews.

A faithful servant of the Lord, Earnestine was a longtime member of Calvary Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas, where she served humbly on the usher board under the leadership of Pastor Kevin Nelson. She was known throughout the community for feeding the homeless, offering unwavering support to friends and family, and living with grace, style, and strength.

Her favorite color was light blue, reflecting her calm and nurturing soul, and her favorite flower, the red rose, symbolized her passion, beauty, and strength. Above all, she was the embodiment of love in action: a master chef who nourished more than bodies, but hearts and spirits; a mother whose light guided generations; and a woman whose legacy will shine brightly through all who were touched by her kindness.