Thelma S. Gray

Thelma S. Gray, 94, of Connersville, died at the home of her daughter in Connersville, Wednesday evening, October 5, 2011. Thelma was born in Laurel July 27, 1917 to David and Julia Plough Johnson. On December 24, 1933, she was married in Brookville to John C. Gray who died November 14, 1997. She had been employed at Ford Electronics and its predecessor, Philco and had worked as a nurse’s aide at Lincoln Manor Nursing Home. Thelma enjoyed her family and grandchildren and listening to country and gospel music. She was a member of the Grandview Word of Life Church. Thelma is survived by six children and their spouses: Patty M. Gibbs, Ellen L. Updike and Myron, Irene E. Hudson, James Lee Gray and his companion, Mary Bell, all of Connersville, Harold E. Gray and Mary of New Castle, Bill E. Gray and Karlene of Connersville; 26 grandchildren including Mary Rowland and David Rowland; several great-grandchildren including Christina Rowland and her fiancé, Jeff Bell; several great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Thelma was preceded in death by two daughters: Ruth Ann Hamilton and Shirley Gray; an infant son: Lewis Franklin Gray; a granddaughter: Rita Rowland; seven brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville, with evangelist, Karlene Gray, officiating. Interment will follow in Laurel North Cemetery. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 12 noon Monday until the time of service. Memorial contributions may be made to help defray funeral expenses. For additional information and to send condolences or memories, visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com.