Heaven gained another angel on Saturday, May 18, 2024, when our Dearly Beloved Sister, Aunt, Cousin, and Friend Lora Jean Gray transitioned to be with the Lord at Bon Secours Southside Regional Medical Center in Petersburg, Virginia. Lora or "Dee Dee" as family and friends affectionately called her was born on November 9, 1955, to the late Isaiah and Beatrice Gray of Wakefield, Virginia.

Except for a brief stay in New York, Dee Dee lived in the Pocahontas Section of Wakefield, Virginia.  Her early education began at Ellen W. Chambliss and she attended Central High School in Sussex County and a High School in the Bronx while living in New York.

As a child, teenager, and young adult, Dee Dee was inquisitive, adventurous, fearless, comical, and extremely talented. She had a singing voice that was second to none and left nothing on the dance floor.  She had a smile that lit up the room and laughter so infectious you couldn't help but join in even if you didn't know what she was laughing about.

Although she faced many challenges during her life, one of which was the death of her son Shaun, she pulled herself out of the depths of despair, put one foot in front of the other, and found joy when and where she could in things big and small. She didn't suffer fools, she let you know when you were getting on her last never and would dismiss you in the blink of an eye.  Those of us who knew and loved Dee Dee knew she had a big heart and would give you her last dollar if you needed it.  No matter what she encountered in life, she kept on moving, she kept on smiling and she kept on living her life on her terms without apology.

Dee Dee was preceded in death by her son Shaun, brothers, Beverly, James, Ronald, and Michael Gray, and her oldest sister Shirley White (Nanny) with whom Dee Dee lived all her adult life. Nanny was more than a sister to Dee Dee, she assumed the role of Mother and Caregiver. Nanny took care of her, advocated for her, and made sure her needs were met.

Dee Dee leaves to cherish her memories two sisters, Mary Cofer of Atlanta, Georgia, and Audrey Brown (Carl) of Hampton, Virginia; three sisters-in-law, Florestine Gray, Clydell Gray, and Millie Gray; and a host of loving nieces nephews, cousins and friends.  She loved her family and especially adored her nephews whom she referred to as "them boys".

Dee Dee was love in all its manifestations and will be missed and forever loved by her family and friends.

Public Viewing will be 12:00pm - 6:00pm on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Peace Funeral Home, 237 Railroad Avenue, Waverly, Virginia.

A Celebration of Life will be 12:00pm Saturday, May 25, 2024, at New Greater Kingdom of  Deliverance 442 Coppahaunk Road, Waverly, Virginia, with Bishop Rodney White, officiating and Apostle Dr. Stephanie White, eulogist.

Interment will follow at Pocahontas Temple Hill Crest Memorial Cemetery, Wakefield, Virginia.