- Date Of Birth: July 4, 1934
- Date Of Death: April 20, 2020
- State: New York
Oscar Van Gray Doman (known lovingly as “Pilin” by his children) was born on July 4th 1934- April 20, 2020. He was the son of Benjamin Gray and Margaret Doman. Pilin, we will miss you, but as I Thessalonians 4:13-18, tells us, concerning those who are asleep in Christ, that we sorrow not, even as others who have no hope. Our hope is that we will see you again and so will we be with the Lord forever. Therefore, we encourage one another with these words.
Oscar attended Tomas Guardia Spanish school and various English Schools. He accepted the Lord Jesus as a teenager and was baptized at the First Baptist Church in Port Limon under the ministry of the late Pastor Ford. He was active in his church.
He met his wife who was attending the Progressive Baptist Church and he persuaded her to come and join him at the First Baptist Church which he was a member. Because she also had accepted Christ as her savior, he suggested that she be baptized at the church he was attending, The First Baptist Church. Oscar and Emily Shirley were friends for 5 years before getting married on June 10, 1958. They would have been married for 62 years in June of 2020. Six Children were born from their union; Dora, Marta, (Armand-deceased), Nazira, Ghandi and Benjamin.
Oscar immigrated to the USA in 1989 and his wife joined him years later. As believers in Christ, they followed the church Covenant, “When removed from one church, unite with another of the same faith as soon as possible”, so they both joined Evergreen Baptist Church and served on the church choir and were part of the senior group. Before immigrating to the United States, they were members of The First Baptist Church/Marchena, Limon, Costa Rica and were choir members and Deacons for many years. Oscar was a faithful member and supporter of both his churches until his death. He did not miss a worship service as long as he had the strength to be there.
Oscar Gray was known as a person who enjoyed helping people who were in need. In his early days he worked at the water front at the dock in Port Limon as a Checker and was always willing to help anyone who needed a job.
Oscar also enjoyed baking. He was very well known for his famous coconut cookies and his delicious donuts. He was also a very happy person and enjoyed singing and dancing. He would dance by himself even if there were no one else dancing, especially Salsa music. Oscar was a sharp dresser.
Oscar died in peace at his home in Brooklyn, New York. According to Romans 10: 9-10 If you declare with your mouth, Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with the heart that you believe and with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. Oscar did just that.
Oscar leaves to cherish his memories, his wife Emily, five children, Dora, Marta, Nazira, Ghandi, and Benjamin Gray. Seventeen grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and two brothers, Lloyd and Baltazar, nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws and friends.
