Rozetta Gray

Rozetta L. Gray, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, niece and friend, peacefully transitioned on Sunday, June 30, 2024 while at home resting in her favorite chair. Born on September 1, 1951, in Marianna, Florida to Rev. Alphonso and Roxie Long, Rozetta lived a Christ-led life filled with love, dedication, and service to others.
Rozetta was educated in the Jackson County School System in Florida where she graduated from the Jackson County Training School in the class of 1969. She then moved to Albany, Georgia where she lived with her "Uncle Junior" and "Aunt Rhett" (Washington and Henrietta Long) while attending Monroe Area Vocational-Technical School (now Albany Technical College). It was during this time that she met Gerald while walking home from school, the beginning of their love story.
For 54 years, Rozetta was the devoted wife of Gerald Gray, Sr., with whom she built a beautiful family. Together, they raised three devoted sons: Gerald Jr. ("Lil Gerald"), Gabriel ("Gabe"), and Galen. Rozetta took great pride in her role as grandmother to Gerald III ("Trey") and Daniel ("Dan the Man"), cherishing every moment spent with them. She recently beamed with pride at Trey's June 24, 2024 graduation from Clark Atlanta University. She also loved attending Dan's band performances to see him playing the drums (bass drum). She loved to say that Dan was better than his dad, Lil Gerald.
Rozetta's professional life was marked by an impressive career that began at Alabama Power. She later relocated to Atlanta where she joined the Southern Company - Georgia Power family. There she served as a senior executive administrator. She was an active member of several corporate organizations including the International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) and the Citizens of Georgia Power. In 2011-2012, she served as the president of IAAP. Her commitment and expertise were evident throughout her tenure culminating in her well-deserved retirement in September 2023 after 40 years of dedicated service.
A woman of strong faith, Rozetta first confessed her belief in God at a young age at Mt. Ararat African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Marianna, Florida (the "Valley") where she was raised. Rozetta was a faithful member of several churches throughout her Christian journey. While living in Birmingham, Alabama, she and her family were active members of St. John AME Church, where she served in numerous roles. Upon moving to Marietta, Georgia, Rozetta became a faithful member of Turner Chapel AME Church. Rozetta was part of the development of the New Members Ministry in 1991 and in 1995 took on the leadership role which she maintained until she was appointed a Steward in 2011. Her unwavering devotion to her church community was a testament to her deep-rooted spiritual beliefs and her desire to contribute to the well-being of others.
Those who knew Rozetta will remember her as a very loving person who always had a smile on her face. Her sweet nature and kindness touched the lives of many, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of meeting and knowing her.
Rozetta was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Alphonso and Roxie Long, her sister, Marjorie Long Johnson, and her dear mother-in-law Mrs. Cynthia L. Martin. She is survived by her loving husband, Gerald W. Gray, Sr.; her three devoted sons, Gerald W. Gray Jr., Gabriel A. Gray, and Galen J. Gray; and her cherished grandsons, Gerald W. Gray III, and Daniel E. Gray. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her siblings: Eugene Long (Ruby) of Marianna, FL, Margaret Wilson of Tampa, FL, Lavern Holloman of Marianna, FL, Roy Long of Linden, NJ, Carrie Tripp (Rev. Joe) of Marianna, FL, Elder Frederick Long (Myrtle) of Plant City, FL; one aunt: Mariah Fair of Bluffton, SC; two uncles: Coriel Long of Valdosta, GA and Frederick Long (Martha) of Aurora, CO; as well as her in-laws Gisele Willett of Duluth, GA, Tommy Willett (Daphne) of McDonough, GA, and Edgar Martin of Albany, GA; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends too numerous to name.
Rozetta's life was an example of love, commitment, and service. To those who knew her, may you continue to be inspired by her memory. Rozetta Long Gray will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her kindness, her unwavering faith, and her beautiful smile that could brighten ANY day.
Visitation for Mrs. Gray will take place from 6:00 - 8:00 PM on Friday, July 5, 2024 at Heritage Funeral Home and Chapel, 907 Church Street Extension, Marietta, GA 30060.
The funeral service for Mrs. Gray will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Turner Chapel AME Church, 492 North Marietta Pkwy NE, Marietta, GA 30060.
For those unable to attend the service in person, you will be able to view the livestream at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 6, 2024.
To watch the livestream select the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@turnerchapelamechurch1982/streams