Mabel H. Gray

Mabel Frances Holley Gray was born May 6, 1914 in Devon, PA. The oldest of 5 chldren born to the late Lucy (Barrett) and Spencer Holley Sr., on Thursday, February 17, 2005, she went home to be with the Lord.

She attended and graduated from Tredyffrin-Easttown High School over 70 years ago. She attended Temple University, majoring in music.

Raised in a loving Christian home, she was in service for the Lord from her childhood until her death. She was the first cradle roll baby of Second Baptist Church, she was the oldest living member who marched into the present edifice. She was active in Sunday School, BYPU, and Young Adult Choir. Music was her love; she began playing the piano and organ at an early age.

It was at church that she met and happily married, Earl William Gray, for 50+ years, and raised three children.

She was organist at her home church, First Mount Zion Baptist for many years. She played for and directed church choirs and singing groups throughout Caroline and surrounding Counties. She was founder and director of the Shining Star Gospel Chorus (a family group) of Bowling Green. At First Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Sparta, VA, she was the founder of the Inspirational Choir, although she played for all the choirs. She orchestrated the purchase of the Hammond Organ, which is still being used today. She was co-founder of the Mattaponi Women's Missionary and Education Convention and the Youth Group Department.

Not only was she involved in music, she worked as a medical secretary and medical assistant for over 40 years. She also discovered she had a green thumb and her home was a virtual greenhouse.

A brick was placed in her honor, on the wall of fame in the African American Museum in Baltimore, MD. She was a true lady, loved to travel and was known for her stylish dressing, hats, and perfume.

She was a survivor of many illnesses, with unyielding faith, and it was during one of her long illnesses she was inspired to write the song, ''Glorify The Lord''. In spite of the pain and illness she was determined to give God glory. Her testimony through out her life was, ''God is so good to me, so I won't complain. I will Glorify Him''.

Leaving her home, friends and church families two years ago gave her a bittersweet feeling. She was leaving the place she had known as home for over 60 years to return to the place of her birth. Most of her peers were gone but it was good to be close to her only sister. She reunited with her home church again on it's 117th anniversary.

She will be missed by 1 sister, Elsie Holley Fuller, Rosemont, PA.
2 sons, Charles of Richmond, VA, Ronald of Bowling Green, VA, Daughter, Nancie of Phoenixville, PA, and adopted friend/daughter, Louise Ferguson of Richmond, VA.; 3 grandsons, James Bailey of Tucson, AZ, LaRobb Lee(wife Janice) of Richmond, California, Charles II of Bowling Green; Four great grandchildren, Janee and James Bailey of Tucson, AZ, Jevon Gray of Fredericksburg, and Immanuel Earl Lee of Richmond, CA.; 3 sisters-in-law, Anna Thornton of Bowling Green, VA, Lillian Gray of Montclair, PA., Delia Jones of Wayne, PA, and a host of nieces, nephews, church families and friends. She was preceeded in death by 1 sister Mary Louis, 2 brothers Spencer,Jr. and Jerry; 1 grandson Kenneth Syndor.

Mommy, the road we've traveled hasn't always been a smooth one, and no one knows that better than you. We have definitely experienced our share of obstacles and unexpected curves along the way, but there are other more beautiful things, we have experienced too, like your faith, and endurance, pulling us through, time and time again. Your wisdom and guidance, putting us back on the right track, and your encouragement and love, keeping our spirits bright through everything.

We couldn't have gone this far without you. Thank you so much mommy, for always making a way and giving your love so fully, so constantly, so powerfully.''

With all of our heartfelt love, Charles, Nancie, Ronnie, and Charles II.

Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535