Mary Jeannene "Jean" Gray

1931 - 2025

Odessa - Mary Jeannene Gray was born in Midland, Texas, to parents Bud Young and Vic Cosper Young on November 22, 1931. She and her brother Jack were raised in Andrews County living the country life, including attending a two room country school house and community church. As she began third grade, she had the pleasure of a 20 mile bus ride into Andrews, 40 miles round-trip until she graduated from Andrews high school in 1948.

Jean was taught the value of honesty, accountability, staying true to your word, and the honor of each individual. Banking was her career, not just a job. She spent 40 successful and happy years in banking.

She was grateful to have mentors along the way who gave her good advice during a time when banking institutions were not as receptive to women being in upper management positions and she strived to pass that advice along to younger staff members with ambition.

She was a pioneer in her field with the introduction of a Woman's Division at First National Bank in Odessa geared toward instructing and assisting women manage their own financial affairs.

Jean retired from banking after 40 years, but went on to work for an accounting firm for another 12 years and retired at age 85.

Jean was active in numerous civic activities and was on the Board of the United Way, Permian Playhouse, Odessa Arts and Humanities, Midland-Odessa Symphony, Friends of the Library, Salvation Army, and Chairman of the board of the Odessa housing Authority. She attended Westminster Presbyterian Church and served as Moderator of the Diaconate and as an Elder.

Mimi taught us the true meaning of unconditional love, and all of her family members and friends could attest to the fact that she always made you feel as if you were her 'favorite'. We always knew we were loved.

She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Jack, C, Young, and sister-in-law, Roberta of Spearfish, South Dakota and her husband, Lewis E Gray.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Addington of Odessa, her granddaughters Amy Addington of Corpus Christi, and Haley Addington of San Antonio.

Great grandchildren, Chloe, Izzy, and Cooper. Nephew Jack Douglas Young, great nephews Trae, Young, Jesse Cooper of South Dakota, OK