Mrs. Ella P. Gray was born to the late Memory and Rosa Purdy on April 19, 1932 in Bladen County, NC and was called to her eternal heavenly home on September 27, 2017.  She was married to the late Marvin E. Gray.  They were blessed with a daughter, Marvella.

She was a teacher for 38 years in the NC public schools.

At an early age, she dedicated her life to Christ.   She was a member of First Baptist Church of Bladenboro, where she was active in the choir and other ministries.  Upon moving to Winston-Salem, NC, she joined First Waughtown Baptist Church where she continued to serve the Lord as a member of the senior choir, hospitality/serving committee, and played piano for Sunday School.  Throughout her life she, walked with and knew God.

In 1949, she graduated from Spaulding Monroe High School in Bladenboro, NC and continued her education at NC Central University in Durham, NC obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics.  She furthered her studies at UNC at Greensboro obtaining her Master's Degree in Elementary Education.  She began her employment with Moore County School System and retired from Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School System.

The love she cherished with so many will always be remembered by her daughter, Marvella Gray of the home; sister, Juanita P. Jones of Bladenboro, NC; sisters-in-law, Zelphia Gray Waston (Connia) of Durham, NC, Wilhelmenia Gray of Carrboro, NC, Jacqueline Gray of Berkeley, MO; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00noon Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at First Waughtown Baptist Church with Dr. Dennis Bishop officiating. The family visitation will be held from 11:30am until 12:00noon on Wednesday at the Church. Interment will be held Thursday, October 5, 2017 in Brooklyn Memorial Gardens, Bladenboro, NC.