- Date Of Death: August 31, 2022
- State: Indiana
I will never leave you or forsake you
Hebrews 13:5
Jean Smith Gray, daughter of Julian P. Smith and Ida Johnson Smith, was born February 9, 1941 in Indianapolis, Indiana. One of three daughters in her family, she and her sisters grew up in a loving home. At an early age, Jean professed a belief in Christ and she became a member of historic Bethel A. M. E.
Jean excelled in her academic pursuits in the Indianapolis Public School System, graduating from Shortridge High School. She matriculated at Indiana University, Bloomington, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Business. During her college years, she pledged and became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
In 1963, Jean and Ronald Lee Gray were united in Holy Matrimony. Their marriage spanned over fifty-eight years and they were blessed with the births of daughter, Jennifer, and twins, Kristen and Christopher. Jean loved to entertain and make big family dinners, particularly during the holidays. She was a music lover and sang and played piano as well. She was a skilled seamstress who made many dresses, suits, and curtains for her family and close friends. However, with all her accomplishments, what was most important to her was family and the love she received back from all in her family was a testament to that.
Jean channeled her energies toward education. In the 1970’s, she became the first African American teacher at Park-Tudor School. In her retirement from teaching, she began an SAT Prep business to help less affluent students get the assistance they needed to attend college. She was very proud of the success of those students.
She with her husband returned to Carmel/Indianapolis. Jean and Ronald joined St.
On August 31, 2022, Jean Smith Gray departed this earthly life to join Ronald and other loved ones who preceded her to be with the Lord.
She Leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Jennifer (Derrick) Eley and Kristen Sharma and son, Christopher Gray; two grandchildren Kiran and Sejal Sharma; two sisters, Frances Smith Goldberg and Margaret Smith Francis, sister-in-law, Dyanna Looper, other relatives and friends.
We hold you close within our hearts
And there you will remain,
To walk and guide us through our lives,
Until we meet again.
Humbly Submitted The Family
