Jessie Ruth Palmer Gray

Funeral Services for Jessie Ruth Palmer Gray, age 87, of Carriere, MS, who passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025, will be held, Saturday, November 01, 2025 at 1:00 PM at McDonald Funeral Home Chapel.
Visitation will be Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at McDonald Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Carriere Cemetery under the direction of McDonald Funeral Home.
With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived, the family of Jessie Ruth Palmer Gray announces her peaceful passing on October 28, 2025. Born on June 27, 1938, Jessie was a radiant spirit whose creativity, generosity, and joy touched every person fortunate enough to know her.
A gifted seamstress and imaginative crafter, Ruth had a unique talent for turning ordinary things into works of beauty. Whether she was sewing an elegant gown, creating something glittering, and grand, or adding sparkle to everyday life, her artistry reflected her own vibrant spirit. She was a homemaker and was proud to always be there for her family. Ruth's warmth extended far beyond her craft. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, whose love for her family knew no bounds. Her home was a gathering place filled with laughter, stories and a deep sense of belonging. To her large circle of friends, she was a confidante, a helper and a source of light. If someone was in need, Ruth was always there, offering kindness, wisdom and a helping hand without hesitation.
Her zest for life shone brightest during Mardi Gras, a celebration she adored. In 1990, Ruth was crowned Queen of the Cleopatra Carnival Club, an honor that perfectly captured her vivacious spirit and her love for all things sparkly. She carried that same sense of celebration through every season of her life. Those who knew Ruth will remember her laughter, her flair for fabulous, and her heart that seemed boundless. Her legacy is one of creativity, compassion, and love. A life stitched together with beauty, generosity and joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Travis Palmer and Nellie Orita Stockstill Palmer; husband, William Jasper Gray; son, James Kevin Polk; sister, Laura Marie Palmer Seal.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Cynthia Ruth Polk, and Carla Suzanne (Greg) Polk Fox; grandchildren, Corey (Lauren) Polk, Jennifer Rodenkirch, Melissa (Cliff) Gonce, Barbie (Erik) Oltmann, Michael Polk, Brennan (Caitlyn) McKey, Spencer Fox, William Polk, James "Jimmy" Polk, and Greg (Anne'Liese) Fox, Jr.; great grandchildren, Caleb, Bailey, Owen, Sai, Grant, Audrey Claire, Laurel Kate, Hal, Conner, Leilia and Blaike; brother, John (Kaye) Palmer, sister, Sherra Nell Smith; many nieces, nephews and friends.
A reception will follow after the graveside service, at Wildwood Lodge, 8 Fox Pen Drive, Carriere, MS 39426, on behalf of the family of Jessie Ruth Palmer Gray, we would love for everyone to attend.