Charlotte Justa "Dede" Gray

Charlotte was born on December 5, 1934, to Angel Lema and Charlotte Lema in Galveston, Texas. In 1953 she graduated from Ursuline Academy as a straight A student. After graduation she worked at the local telephone company. She met Emmett Gray, and they were married on Aug 30, 1957, a marriage which lasted 66 years. She was a beloved mother to four children, Scott Gray of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi; Pamela Sue Gray-Wilcox of Massanutten, Virginia; Benjamin Gray of Odessa, Florida; and Laura Elise Gray, who passed away Dec 3,2003.

She is survived by her husband, Emmett Gray; children Scott Gray, Pamela Sue Gray-Wilcox, and Benjamin Gray; four grandchildren; her brother Angel R. Lema and wife Dorothy Charlene and her sister Sandra Schiff and husband John Schiff and numerous nieces and nephews. Dede, as we affectionately knew her, had numerous friends with whom she kept in contact with. She loved everyone and was loved by many. During her years of raising and loving her four children, she worked for a period of time for a law firm in Houston, TX and still found time to cook delicious meals, always laugh, dance, she loved to whistle and was a loving wife. She loved gardening over the years and over the last few years she loved watching her birds. She was known for her happy, joyous nature and was never forgotten by everyone she met. She took care of her mother for many years after her father passed away and they were best friends and visited and traveled together on many fun excursions. She loved the Lord and was a member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. She suffered the last few years of her life but still maintained a sense of caring and love for everyone else. She is missed and we are grieving but feel blessed knowing she is in peace in heaven. Please note that while no services will be held as per Charlotte’s wishes, our family would feel honored if you kept us and Charlotte in your thoughts during this difficult time.