Barbara Gray Vest

Barbara Gray Vest

Barbara Gray Vest, age 86 died peacefully November 10, 2024 from complications of dementia in the Memory Care Neighborhood at Cedarbrook Senior Living in Rochester, Michigan. She was born in St. Paul, MN on November 24, 1937. Preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years Robert DuVal Vest, her sister Rev. Sandra Stuart Gray, her parents, Carl R. Gray III and Dorothy Anne Winter Gray (Rogers); grandparents, Everett P. and Marion K. Winter; and Major General Ret. Carl Raymond Gray Jr. and Gladys Beach Gray, and nephew Michael King.

Still cherishing her memory are her sister Suzanne Johnson (Joseph), her step brother Rene; sons Kenneth (Sandra), Todd (Mary), Brian (Laura); grandchildren Alison Khachaturian (Nathaniel), Kelly Vest, Courtney Hughes (Patrick), Eric Vest, Michael Vest, Tyler Vest, Connor Vest, Liam Davis (Susan), Will Talley and Dylan Talley; great-grandson Elliott Hughes and great-granddaughter Alice Davis; nieces Robin, Leslie, Kristie, Vickie, Terri, Reny and nephews Mike, Will, Skip, Greg, Rick, Mark, Bob, and Owen. Also her sister-in-law Connie and brother-in-law Rick.

Barbara graduated from the University of Illinois with Honors, where she met her husband Bob. She later earned her Masters and Ph. D. in Psychology from the University of Delaware. Professionally, she was a clinical psychologist, and taught high school English. Barbara was a Mayflower Descendant and a Daughter of the American Revolution. The couple lived in Wilmington, DE, Grand Blanc, MI, Lake Orion, MI, Newark, DE and Deltaville, VA and then she was in Davidson, NC and Rochester, MI.

Barbara and Bob were avid sailors on the Chesapeake Bay and international waters, and travelers to Europe, Asia, South America, Australia, Iceland, even the Galapagos Islands. Barbara loved her books, music, theater, coffee, and fresh flowers. Often making bouquets. She especially enjoyed the exploits of her family, and her son's annual "Brothers Weekend."

Barbara often used the phrase "T.U.P." meaning "The Universe Provides" whenever something worked out better than expected, or providence seemed to step in at just the right moment. With her ever-optimistic view of life, Barbara used the phrase often, and family uses it today in thanks for letting this wonderful lady grace us with her kindness and love.

A private celebration of her life is planned. In lieu of gifts or flowers, she wishes support be given to the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org