Mother Louise Grays

Mother Louise (Gentry) Grays was born January 5, 1936 in Watson, Arkansas, the fifth of ten children born to the late Thomas and Annie (Branch) Gentry. Louise was educated in the Dumas, Arkansas Education System. In the 1950’s, Louise relocated to Saginaw to be with her sister, Annie. She met the love of her life, Claud Grays, in 1955 on the steps of her sister’s house. They were united in Holy Matrimony June 23, 1956. To their union, Claudine, Guy, Brenda and Daryl were born. Claud preceded Louise in death on May 4, 2009. Louise accepted Christ and was baptized at the age of fifteen at St. John A.M.E. Church in Watson, Arkansas. Upon marriage, she united with Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. She served there for over forty years. Later, Louise continued her faith journey by uniting with Victorious Believers Ministries where she served on the Mother’s Board until her death. Louise loved the Lord and instilled Christian values in her children and grandchildren. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 121. Louise was employed by the Saginaw Board of Education for over 20 years. She enjoyed working with the children. Louise will be remembered for her love of family and kindness. Affectionately known as “Dear” to her siblings, she spent hours perfecting the art of 5-way calling with her sisters. She loved to laugh and always seemed to know the right words of encouragement. The Lord called Mother Louise to her eternal home on Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at the age of 78 years. Mother Louise leaves to cherish her memory, three daughters, Joyce Adrow, Claudine Grays and Brenda (Phillip) Holley; two sons, Guy Grays and Daryl Grays; two grandchildren, Jordan and Jamal Holley; a great-grandchild, Tamara Halverson; three sisters, Annie B. Banks, Travelstine Butler and Clintontine (Robert) Fitz; two brothers, Clint (Verda) Gentry and, Thomas (Cynthia) Gentry; one uncle, Willie (Marvel) Branch; three aunts, Grace Branch, Dorothy Branch and Will Ella Giles; five sisters-in-law, Yvonne Gentry, Allean Junious, Maggie Erwin, Ida Stuckey and Virginia Grays; three brothers-in-law, Y.T. (Barbara) Gray, McKinley (Mary) Grays and O.D. Grays; her long-time friends, Victoria Monroe and Deloris Williams; and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her VBM church family. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; one grandson, Markel Perkins; two sisters, Tommie Lee Hamlin and Emma Jean Grays; and two brothers, James Gentry and John Gentry. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014 at Victorious Believers Ministries C.O.G.I.C., 624 S. Outer Dr. Elder Christopher V. Pryor, Pastor. Elder Mel A. Pryor will officiate with interment in Forest lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., on Friday from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m., where the family will be present to greet friends from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Mother Louise Grays

January 5, 1936 - November 26, 2014