Shirley Parker Gray

Shirley Parker Gray, 80, formerly of 18 Rodgers Place, Asheville, passed away in her home in Middleburg, FL, on November 26, 2003, surrounded by her family and beloved dogs (Fred and Ginger) and supported by the love and prayers of many friends and neighbors. Born on October 13, 1923, in Asheville to the late Gordon and Addie Sue Parker, Shirley completed Blanton’s Business College and worked for the Federal Government until her retirement in 1984. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church until her move to Florida in 1986 when she became active in Middleburg United Methodist Church and attended the Middleburg Senior Center for many years. Mrs. Gray was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Dewey Gray, who died in 1986 and her brother, John Parker. She leaves behind two children, Michael Gray and his wife Angie of Matthews, NC and Suzanne Lyda and her husband Jim of Middleburg, FL; two grandchildren, Tammy Shupe of Matthews and Brad Lyda and his wife Amy of Middleburg; a great-grandchild, Angel Shupe of Matthews; a beloved sister-in-law, Jean Parker; a niece, Pam Banther and her husband Ronnie and a nephew, John Parker, Jr. Graveside services will be 2:00 pm Monday at Pisgah View Mausoleum with the Reverend Skipper Watwood officiating. Her family will receive friends from 7:00-8:30 pm Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Middleburg UMC Capital Fund, 3935 Main Street, Middleburg, FL 32068; St. Luke’s Catholic Church, 137 Lawyer’s Road, Mint Hill, NC 28195; River Garden Hebrew Home, 11401 Old St. Augustine Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258 or Community Hospice of Northeast Florida, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257.