Mary Gray

Mary Kathryn Caris Gray, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 in Holland, MI. Born on April 3, 1934, in Edmore, Michigan, Mary K grew up in Alma, where she shared a special bond with her younger sister, Nancy. She was a dedicated student throughout junior high and high school. In 1952, she began her studies at the University of Michigan. After three years, she earned a degree in dental hygiene, a profession that reflected her caring nature and meticulous attention to detail. During her time at U of M, Mary K met her future husband, Jerry McNicoll Gray of Monroe, Michigan They dated for three years before marrying on August 27, 1955, in Alma, Michigan. This year would have marked their 70th wedding anniversary, a testament to a lifetime of love, partnership, and devotion. From a young age, Mary K cherished summers spent at her family’s cottage on Higgins Lake, MI where she enjoyed swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing. As she and Jerry raised their family, they frequently took their three children to the lake. It became a beautiful and beloved place to them all. In 1984, Mary K and Jerry built a home next door to her parent’s cottage on the lake, creating a beautiful gathering place for their growing family – a place filled with love, laughter, and memories. Mary K and Jerry had long been interested in global missions. From 2001-2009 they spent 2-3 months yearly in Kijabe, Kenya to work at Kijabe Hospital. Mary K worked with the chaplain caring for children and their parents, providing arts and crafts supplies, books to read, and Bibles to learn from as well as engaging in many other activities. Jerry worked as a pathologist in the hospital laboratory. They made many friends in Kenya and even brought their children and grandchildren to visit and help out. They often took time out at the end of their stay to go on Safari to enjoy the amazing wildlife and flora of the savannah. These were life changing experiences for them both. Mary K was a gifted artist. She loved drawing, decorating in her home and offering her gifts in various venues. But her real love was china painting. She owned her own kiln to fire the china after painting. She created beautiful nature scenes as well as whimsical pieces on tea and coffee sets, mugs, platters, baking dishes, tiles, and decorative pieces. Mary K was committed to her Christian faith and was a faithful member of the local church. She was devoted to studying the Bible. Wherever she lived she would gather neighbors and friends and start new group Bible studies. She leaves behind women’s Bible study groups in Ann Arbor and in Holland at Freedom Village. Mary K is survived by her beloved husband, Jerry; their children, Kathryn “Kathy” Gray Brogan (John) of Holland, MI; William “Bill” Gray (Mary Jo) of Holland, MI; and Jeanne Gray of Ann Arbor, MI; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered. A service to celebrate Mary K's life will be held on Saturday, February 15th, 10:00 am at Freedom Village, 145 Columbia Ave., Holland, MI in the sixth floor auditorium. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to Samaritan’s Purse (through whom Mary K and Jerry traveled to Kenya) in her memory at Samaritanspurse.org. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home. To leave condolences online, please visit www.langelandsterenberg.com.

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Mary Gray

April 3, 1934 - February 7, 2025