Josephine Willis Gray

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Josephine Willis Gray, aged 91, of Athens, on Friday, February 13th, 2026, at Athens Limestone Hospital. Born on September 22nd, 1934, in Cloverdale, Alabama, she was the daughter of Albert Gilroy and Saima Abramson Willis. Mrs. Gray leaves behind a loving family, including her devoted husband, Franklin Chieves Gray. She was a beloved mother to her daughters: Janet Gray Utsey (Randy), Patricia Gray Lann (Jack), Pamela Gray Wilson (John), Jennifer Gray Hooper (Jerry). Her legacy extends to her grandchildren: Lauren Strain, Louisa Marks (Brooks), Will Strain, Alex Lann, Jillian McNichol (Christopher), Cal Wilson, Frank Wilson, Holt Wilson, Jay Hooper, Molly Lauderback (John), Ben Hooper; and her great-grandchildren: Brooks Marks, Saima Marks, Gray Marks, Lucy Lauderback, and Ava Lauderback who will carry her memory forward. Mrs. Gray is also survived by her nephews: Gary Willis (Alicia) and John Balch (Sheila), as well as her niece Margaret Farmer (John). She was preceded in death by her parents Albert and Saima Willis, brother Charles Willis, and nephew Ronnie Willis and his wife Bobbie. Friends and family are invited to honor Mrs. Gray's life at a visitation on Thursday, February 20th, 2026, from 12:00 -1:45 PM at Limestone Chapel Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Barry Dunn and Rev. Eddie Gooch. She will be laid to rest at Isom's Chapel Cemetery, with Brooks Marks, John Lauderback, Sunrise Gervais, Jeremy Miller, Mike Jackson, and Butch Freeman serving as pallbearers. Mrs. Gray was a remarkable woman whose unconditional love was felt by all who knew her. An active member of Isom's Chapel Methodist Church, her faith was a guiding light that touched all aspects of her life. She was especially cherished by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her love language was "Acts of Service" and she enjoyed sharing endearing handmade mementos and notes of encouragement, thanks, and sympathy which have touched the hearts of many. To her family she was A PERFECT MOTHER and GRANDMOTHER, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who loved her. Mrs. Gray's life was a testament to the beauty of love, faith, and family. She will be remembered fondly and missed greatly by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Honorary pallbearers are Johnny Holland, Bob Fenton, Bill Stone, Matthew Crawford, Paul Irons, Paul Austin, David Abramson, and our dear Gideon Friends. In lieu of flowers, the family ask contributions to be made to The Gideons.

Josephine Willis Gray

September 22, 1934 - February 13, 2026