Jo Ann Gray

Jo Ann Gray, 88, of McLeansboro, Illinois, passed away Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro.  She was born in Rupert, Idaho on April 2, 1930, the daughter of John Inman and Opel (Mezo) McGill.  Jo Ann was a 1948 graduate of McLeansboro Township High School.  She married Robert Davis Gray on June 12, 1948 and he preceded her in death on October 12, 2012.

Jo Ann is survived by her children: Clydus (Eva Lynn) Gray, Bob (Denise) Gray, Suzanne (Steve) Bonner, all of McLeansboro, and John (Vallery) Gray of Dahlgren.  Nine grandchildren: Jeff (Tara) Gray, Joe (Rachel) Gray, Julie (Ryan) Bruns, Lori (Jeremy) Ellis, Brandi (Josh) Karcher, Caleb (Alexandra) Gray, Erin Bonner, Jacob (Toni) Gray and Jaci (Colby) Payne.  Twenty-one great-grandchildren: Tyler and Trevor Gray, Madison and Cole Roberson, Cameron and Austin Gray, Aubrey and Madison Bruns, Mabry and Dalanie Ellis, Colby and Dilynn Karcher, Harper and Davis Gray, Kiley, Andrea, Jayla, Tinley and Lydia Gray, Cale and Jordy Payne.

Jo Ann is also survived by sisters: Judy (Jerry) Prince, Mary Craddock, Dorothy Roberts; one brother: Gary (Sue) McGill; brother-in-law, William “Fuss" Gray; sisters-in-law: Joan Gray, Elfrieda McGill, Becky McGill and many nieces and nephews that were always welcome “down on the farm” for her blonde brownies and quail pie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers: John McGill Jr. and Jim McGill; four sisters: Grace Davolt, Alice Kelso, Jane Hollis and Glenda Sue McGill; one grandson, Jordan Levi Gray; and one great-granddaughter, Hattie Jean Gray.

Jo Ann grew up near Tuckers Corner, graduating from Braden Valley Grade School and McLeansboro High School.  Soon after high school she married Robert Davis Gray and they moved to Walpole, Illinois in 1955 where she and Bob raised their four children on the family farm.  Jo Ann attended the former Hebron Cumberland Church near Walpole and the First General Baptist Church in McLeansboro.  She worked at the Hamilton County Courthouse and for South Twigg Township.  She was a woman of strong faith, high moral values and had a passion for loving her family and caring for those in need.  

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First General Baptist Church in McLeansboro with the Rev. Jacob Gray officiating.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. at the First General Baptist Church.  She will be laid to rest in the Hebron Cemetery near Walpole.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Jordan Levi Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund and will be accepted at the First General Baptist Church or the Gholson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jo Ann Gray, please visit our floral store.