Louise Elizabeth Jackson Gray was born in Richmond, Virginia on December 8, 1941 to Mary Elizabeth Harris Jackson and Garfield Jackson Sr. She departed this life on May 20, 2022 after battling with a long illness.

Louise attended Richmond City Public Schools, graduated from Maggie L. Walker High School, and continued her education at Virginia State College (now known as Virginia State University). She graduated in 1965 and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. Louise started her vocational education career as a Home Economics teacher at Southside High School in Dinwiddie County, VA in 1965.

A couple of years later, she met the love of her life and on August 18, 1967 married the late, Mr. Clyde Gray. From that, union was born Michael Gerard, LaToya Denise, Douglas Ramon, and Patrice Nicole Gray. Louise was so self-sacrificing that she left the career that she loved to raise her children and support her husband for decades until her husband’s death. During that time, she worked as a co-owner and head seamstress of Mike and Douglas Interiors, the family’s upholstery business. She was a multi-talented seamstress with gifts to create anything involving textiles. A couple of years after her husband’s death, she returned to work fulltime as a Family and Consumer Science Teacher with Peterburg Public Schools (1996-2007), where she retired. She always credited Dr. DeBorah MBagwu and was very grateful for her assistance with helping her re-enter her secular career.

In the 1970s, she started a Bible study that would change her life forever and on July 18, 1971, Louise made the most important dedication of her life. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, launched into full-time ministry service shortly after her baptism, and did so for the next five years. She served the Almighty God, Jehovah faithfully until her death. Her favorite scripture was Philippians 4:8, which reads: “ Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are of serious concern, whatever things are righteous, whatever things are chaste, whatever things are lovable, whatever things are well-spoken-of, whatever things are virtuous, and whatever things are praiseworthy, continue considering these things.” Anyone who knew Louise Gray would say to you that she lived these words. Her main concern in life was pleasing her God and Heavenly Father and praising his Holy name. She did this regularly and spent hundreds of hours throughout the years helping people learn about the Bible truths that were so precious to her heart.

Louise spent many, many years teaching people the Bible, helping the elderly, volunteering with various organizations, helping the youth in the community, and assisting people with countless needs. She was extremely passionate about helping others. She touched many people and will be greatly missed. Louise enjoyed a good bargain, loved yard sales, and thrifting. If Louise could not sew it herself, she was going to make sure that she got a good deal on it. Louise loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Louise loved music and had a beautiful singing voice. She was a first soprano singer, who could reach an opera-level vocal range. She would often tell her daughters, “I missed my calling in music.”

Louise leaves to cherish her memory: her devoted children and caregivers, Michael Gerard Gray (Dynisha Gray), Latoya Denise Gray Wilson, Douglas Ramon Gray, and Patrice Nicole Gray. Six grandchildren: Kourtney Hill, Deja Jackson (devoted caregiver), Myka Gray, Michael Gray Jr. (Miko), Jordan Woods, and TaCora Wilson (devoted caregiver). Bonus grandchildren: Gianna Mason and Promise Powell. Seven great grandchildren: Jayven Parham, Mayson Gray, Kalia Johnson, Nala Gray, Brayson Perryman (The Boo-Boo Friend), Douglas Johnson, Jr., and Mylani Gray. Dearest great-nephew: James Winston, Jr. (Little James) Three siblings, Garfield Jackson Jr. (Jack) (Yvette), Callie B. Ruffin, and the late, David A. Jackson. Forever bonus children: Sheree Ramirez (Reid), Adrienne Jones, Lakisha Goode, and Brecora (BC) Mallory. Hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, beloved sister in-laws- Marva Amick, Barbara Flowers, Jean Gaddis, Gloria Gray, and Mary Gray. Louise truly loved everyone. Friends were very special to Louise (Lou as she was known by her friends) and she will leave to cherish many, many friends and spiritual family of the Halifax, Central Park, and former Metropolitan Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Petersburg Virginia. Special sister friends: Jean Dyer, Diane Ragsdale, Annie P. Williams, Viola Edith Higgins, Edith Naomi Whyte, Gloria Parham, Juanita Smith, Shirley Maeweather, Vanessa Olajuwon, Karen Butler, Valerie Pritchett, Nancy (Harrison) Rogers, Brenda Broner, Flora Williams, Dorothy Walton, Theresa Evans, Helen Todd, Evelyn Hilton, Doris Hill, Blondzenor Harrison, and many, many more.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to LaTarsha Wright (devoted caregiver), Angeles Avendaño (caregiver), Evette Bradley (caregiver), Makiah Hollinger (night caregiver), Wanda Ampey (caregiver), Donald and Sandra Bailey (devoted caregiver), Lamar and Stephanie Vaughan, James and Arthurette Harper (caregiver), Virginia Cancer Institute, Bon Secours Urology, Bon Secours SRMC Healthcare Network of Doctors, Amedisys Home Health, Bon Secours Hospice Journey Team, Bon Secours Hospice House and Care Advantage personal care aides for all your hard work and support during Louise Gray’s illness.

Celebration of life service and Memorial Talk for Mrs. Louise Jackson Gray, will be held on Sunday, June 12, 2022  at 4 p.m. at the 30 Franklin Street Petersburg , Virginia. Bro. Michael Diggs, Officiating.

The family is asking that relatives and friends to assemble at 30 Franklin St. Petersburg, Virginia at 3:45 P.M. on the day of service.

For the health and safety of attendees, masks are required at all visitations and services. Attendees are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines.

Service may be viewed by Livestream at/https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream

 

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Professional services entrusted to the staff of the J.L. Dodson & Sons Funeral Establishment, 25824 Greensville Avenue, Petersburg, Virginia 23803, Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr., Funeral Director (804) 732-5959. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com  Our Family Servicing Your Family”.