Jaoma Lou "Jay" Gray

With profound sadness and a heavy heart…

I am sharing the passing of our beloved sister, Jaoma Lou (Eads) Gray. Jaoma showed courage in her fight with cancer and stayed with us as long as she could. She passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Blue Springs Missouri.

Born on February 8, 1956, she was not only a sister but a friend and confidant to everyone who knew her. Growing up, she shared countless adventures with her three brothers. Always outnumbered, she held her own when challenged and as a girl, she was the only one of us to have her own bedroom. Jaoma had a deep and genuine laugh and a generous spirit. She had an easy smile that put everyone at ease and was kind to all no matter the circumstance. She was the family calendar and always reminded us whose birthday was coming up. Sometimes as a joke, we would call her and remind her that it was her birthday.

Jaoma graduated from East High School in Kansas City MO in 1974 and later received a degree from Longview Community College. Jaoma was a super softball player and enjoyed years of fun and success on the field. After college she worked for forty-three years with the Thales Group, a global aerospace company. She was a publications coordinator preparing training manuals for aircraft landing systems. She was known and treasured by colleagues around the world.

Jaoma and Pete Gray were married on the beach, surrounded by family and friends, in Hermosa Beach California on June 14, 2003. It was a perfect day, barefoot in the sand and a joyous day for them both. They have planned in advance to forgo any type of service but intend for her ashes to be spread on the ocean near the spot where they were married by her father. In lieu of flowers or donations please take a special day to enjoy your families in honor of her memory.

Jaoma is survived by her husband Pete Gray, her mother Naomi, three brothers Wayne, Stephen, and Mark, three nieces, and three nephews.