Lorene Beatrice Gray

Lorene Beatrice Smith born to Susie M. Pridgen and Silas Smith on October 16, 1936, in St Petersburg, Fla. She gained her wings and called home on August 24, 2022, peacefully in her home surrounded by her children. Lorene aka Doll / Sis Gray gave her life to Christ at an early age as a 7th Day Adventist. She was a devoted member of City Tabernacle, Bronx Temple and lastly Cedars of Lebanon. She married the love of her life James Gray on June 3rd, 1984, and they spent over 30 years together. Doll was a respected women who loved the Lord, her husband, her family, her church and her community. She raised her four children in the projects of New Yor City and survived on the welfare system. While raising them she still managed to get her GED. She then attended the College of New Rochelle during the evenings and graduated in May 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts. While working and being a mother, she furthered her education and received her Master’s in Social Work from Yeshiva University in 1989, this being one of her proudest accomplishments. Doll had a sincere passion for helping others and serving her community. Which is why she worked for M.E.N.D, a local non-profit agency helping youth find jobs. She then transitioned to work in the NYC courthouse as a Social Worker. Her last job held was at Harlem Dowling West side Center as a supervisor for the Foster Care Unit. Her consistent selfless desire to care for others showed up in a mighty way when she opened her home to raise her granddaughter, her nieces and nephew. In her spare time, she loved working for the Lord in whatever capacity God called her to be in. She was a Head Usher, Head of Community Service leader, assistant Treasurer and served on the Deaconess board and the Women’s Ministry. Let's not forget her time volunteering as tenant patrol for Wagner Projects while wearing the infamous "blue jacket" with yellow words N.Y.C.H.A Tenant Patrol. I think everyone knew that was her favorite jacket! She and her husband later retired in 1995 and relocated from East Harlem to their first home in Virginia Beach, Va. with their son Michael and his family. In 1996, Jill and Cynthia (granddaughter) joined them. During their early years of retirement, they became foster care parents. Shortly after they had all the grandkids living with them. Doll's house was never empty, and she never met a stranger. She would have youths, neighbors and church friends around her all the time. Company was more than welcome, however knowing Sister Gray you could not leave without playing cards or board games with her. I’m sure at least half of us know games because of her. The best part is she would always feed you, and her cooking was the bomb! Some of her favorites were Macaroni & Cheese, Sweet Potato Casserole, Pies and cornbread. Her home was truly a safe haven and anyone who was there was always treated like family. But most of all she is well known for falling asleep anywhere, sitting or standing it did not matter. She is preceded in death by: James Gray (husband), Jonathan Daniels (son), Susie M. Pridgen and Silas Smith (Parents), Sisters: Grace Richardson, Caroline Morris, Susie Ricketts Brothers: Albert Pridgen, Arthur Pridgen. She leaves to cherish her memories: Children (3): Anita Brown, Jill Garland, and Michael Gray, wife Kimberly Gray Grandchildren (7): Cynthia (Eugene) McCoy, Velvetta Scott, Jason Garland, Kendrick Brown, Chanise Gray, Raymond Brown, Keonna Gray Great grands (13): Asia, Amaiya & Amari McCoy, Ahjinae Liggins & JoJo Scott, Jehden, Jaziah, KaJuan, Kaln, Tianna & Jason, Jr Garlands’, Kaiden Brown and Kasen Latham Siblings:(3) Martin Pridgen, Dora Johnson, James Pridgen A host of nieces, nephews, family members, church members and friends who all loved and will miss her dearly. We will all cherish her memory and look forward to meeting her again in the earth made new.

Lorene Beatrice Gray

October 16, 1936 - August 24, 2022