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Obituary for Irene Ogburn Gray
Irene Ogburn Gray passed from the loving arms of her family to the loving arms of Jesus on August 3, 2017. Irene was born October 1st, 1920 in Meridian, MS to the late Claude and Abbie Irene Flowers Ogburn. The Ogburn’s were active members of 5th Street Methodist where Irene taught both Sunday school and VBS. She entered State Teachers College (now USM) in the fall of 1938 and became active in campus life as a member of Tri-Sigma sorority, ardent fan of all sports teams, and, made a point to never miss a college dance. With enough hours to be a senior, she eloped in March 1941 to marry Robert “Bob” Gray, who was in temporary residence at Camp Shelby with the Ohio National Guard. Bob and Irene moved to Wooster, Ohio but the onset of WWII interrupted their plans. In early 1942, Bob was drafted into active duty and headed to the Pacific Campaign leaving Irene and infant son Bobby behind. During the war years Irene and Bobby returned to Meridian. After WWII, the family made Wooster home, added three more boys, and Irene remained active in community life for 65+ years. She retired from Wayne Auto Parts in 1987, after a 24-year career.
She was an active member of Faith Baptist Church in Wilmot, Ohio. With the onset of dementia, she moved to Jackson in 2010, and began attending Wells Methodist Church.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Gray (1967); her parents and siblings; her two sons, Bobby Gray and Gary Gray; and granddaughter Brooke.
She is survived by her sons, Bill (Jill), of Jackson, MS and Joel “Hoke” (Meg), of Wooster, OH; grandchildren, Pat Gray; Bridget Tuberty (Shea); Lisa Jeffcoat (Ben); Philip Gray (Holly); Joel Gray; Gray Sobczyk; and Adam Gray; and her great-grandchildren: Kate, Molly, Zak, Addison, Neave, Wells, McKenna, and Connor; daughters-in-law, Linda Gray and Joan Gray, and special friend/daughter in love, Esther Morrison.
The family will be present for Visitation after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Wells Methodist Church, 2019 Bailey Avenue, Jackson, Mississippi, where the Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 Noon with the Rev John Brashier and Rev Heather Hensarling officiating. Graveside Services will follow at 4:00 p.m. at Rose Hill Cemetery, located at 8th Street and 40th Ave in Meridian, Mississippi. Pallbearers will be Bill Gray, Joel Gray, Phil Gray, Pat Gray, Adam Gray, and Ben Jeffcoat. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made Wells Methodist Church, 2019 Bailey Ave., Jackson, MS 39213, to Rose Hill Benevolent Fund, PO Box 3648, Meridian, MS or to your local Alzheimers/Dementia support organization. Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
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