Obituary of Betty Jean Gray

Betty Jean Gray, age 91, of Columbia, SC passed away peacefully on May 18, 2021. Betty was the oldest daughter of Mitchel M. Ray and Mary Lee Ghent Ray, born in Gadsden, SC. Betty was married to the love of her life, Harry G. (H.G.) Gray for 25 years until his passing in 1975.

Betty was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Michael Ray; sister, DeLayne R. Young; and her oldest son, Dwight D. Gray. Betty is survived by her sister, Patricia R. Rucker of Williston, SC; her son, Harry R. Gray (Millie Badendick) of Columbia; her daughter, Melanie G. Rease (Arthur) of Eastover; her daughter-in-law, Diane R. Gray of Charlotte, NC; her grandchildren: Melanie G. Moore (Mark), Molly Gray, Julie Gray, Tracy G. Wilkins (Dennis), A. Evin Rease (Laura), Karen R. Dinkins (Chris), Marissa R. Young (Nicholas), Edward (Petey) Badendick, and Krystal B. Person (Fran); her great-grandchildren: Austin and Lenox Moore, Cory and Kylie Wilkins, Dillon and Kayleigh Rease, Brennan and Riley Grace Dinkins, Rease and Jase Young, Bella, Zoe and Finny Person. Betty is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. She was adored by her family and her presence here on Earth will be greatly missed.

Betty was a retired cafeteria manager from Meadowfield Elementary; a former member of the SC School Food Service Association, where she served a term as president of the Single Unit Managers; a member of the Family and Community Living Club; a former member of the Lower Richland Ruritan Club; a Mother of the Year for the LR Ruritan Club; and a member of the Ruth Sunday School Class at Beulah Baptist Church. Betty was always serving in her community and her church. She enjoyed cooking and everyone knew that if Betty cooked, you were in for a treat.

We would like to thank the staff of Brookdale Columbia for the kindness, care and love they gave for the last 3 years of Betty’s life.

Services will be on Sunday May 23, 2021 at 2pm at Beulah Baptist Church, 9487 Gardner’s Ferry Road, Hopkins, SC with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow the services at Richland Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 631 Fork Church Road, Gadsden, SC. Mrs. Betty Gray will lie in state at Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC, on Saturday May 22, 2021 for anyone who would like to pay their final respects. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Beulah Baptist Church Building Fund.