Donna Reesa Gray

DONNA REESA GRAY, 71, of Paris, passed from this life unexpectedly Tuesday October 7, 2014 at Paris Regional Medical Center. Starrett Funeral Home will conduct funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Saturday October 11, 2014 at College Church of Christ, with Nolan Butler, Tracy Williams, and Benny Cogburn offiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the church for one hour prior to the service.

Donna was born October 16, 1942 in Antlers, Oklahoma, one of two daughters born to George Grady and Vivian Grace Posey Morrison. She was a graduate of Miami, Arizona High School, then later moved to Paris, where she met the love of her life, John Gray. They were married on October 23, 1964 in Paris, and spent the next forty-four years building family, loving life, and making memories. She worked alongside her husband John in the family businesses of house painting, and their family business, Quality Paint. John preceded her in death on September 29, 2008. Later in life she found a second career with Jamar Heating and Air Conditioning, where she was secretary/bookkeeper. She found great joy in her volunteer service to the Ladies Auxiliary of Paris Regional Medical Center, and was a long time member of Eastern Star. Donna was an avid reader, finding time to pursue this love even with her busy schedule. She was a faithful member of the College Church of Christ.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a step-son, Johnny Ardel Gray.

Survivors include four children, Michel Williams and husband Tracy, of Manchester, Mark Gray and wife Sharon, of Trinity, Brian Gray and wife Merrie, of Virginia Beach, VA, and Corey Gray and wife Carol Kay, of Paris; eight grandchildren, Rachel and Josh Gray, Ethan and Eric Williams, Shelby and Reese Gray, and Cadie and Chloe Gray; a sister, Dorinda Gerrard and husband Gerald, of Lake Wales, Florida, and family.

Donna loved many people and made friends easily with anyone she met, but found a special friendship with Hazel Motley. For her love, the family says, "Thank you."

Serving as pallbearers will be Ethan Williams, Josh Gray, Eric Williams, Reese Gray, Mark Gray, Brian Gray, and Corey Gray. Named as honorary pallbearers are Rachel Gray, Shelbie Gray, Cadie Gray and Chloe Gray.