Marjorie Mae Gray

Marjorie Mae Gray, 93, of Lake Charles passed away at 11:25 PM on Thursday, March 27, 2025 in a local hospital.

Mrs. Gray was born on June 14, 1931, in Launs Meg, LA, and was raised in Eunice, LA, where she spent her formative years before setting off on an adventure that would shape her life. At the age of 16, with little more than a suitcase, she left Eunice and boarded a bus to Lake Charles. There, she lived in a woman's boarding house while working at Three Sisters Clothing Store.

It was at First Baptist Church in Lake Charles where she met the love of her life, John Robert Gray. They married soon after at First Baptist Church and began building a life together filled with love and devotion. She was a very active and devoted member of the church where she taught Sunday School and later attended Trinity Baptist Church. In 1968, they moved to Moss Bluff.

A woman of many talents and interests, Mrs. Gray was known for her love of sewing, gardening, and cooking. She enjoyed walking outside, relishing the beauty of nature, and was often found reading or watching old movies, especially classics like I Love Lucy. Above all, she cherished spending time with friends and family, whether it was through meaningful visits or long, heartfelt conversations over the phone. She also gave of her time as a Pink Lady volunteer at Christus St. Patrick Hospital, bringing comfort and compassion to those in need.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children, Keith Gray (Candy) and Jeanette Aguillard; grandchildren, Chris Gray, Candace White, Neali Perkins (Keith), Garland DeRamus, Fred DeRamus (Amy), Chance DeRamus, Ryan James Aguillard, and Lauren Brooke Aguillard (Fianceé-Joe White); great grandchildren, Dawson Perkins, Kamden Perkins, Bryson Gray, Emma White, Addyson White, Ellie Kate DeRamus, and Weston DeRamus; great great grandchildren, Blakely Mae Guidry and one on the way, Margaret James White; and her very special niece, Juanita “Tootie” Griffith.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bathile and Lennie Matt; her first husband and father of her children, John Robert Gray; her second husband, Bennie Billings; a sister, Marene Fruge and her husband, Kern; son in law, Russell Aguillard; and a niece, Pauline Johnson.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025 in the Johnson Funeral Home chapel. Pastor Steve James and Pastor David Rose will officiate. Burial will follow in Prien Memorial Park. Visitation will begin on Monday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to her dedicated caregiver, Courtney Murray, for the devotion and love she gave to Mrs. Gray, especially in her last days.

The family request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home in Monroe, LA, www.lbch.org.