A comfortable old age is the reward of a well-spent youth. Instead of its bringing sad and melancholy prospects of decay, it would give us hopes of eternal youth in a better world. Maurice Chevalier
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WE ARE FAMILY
LOVING… SHARING…CARING 3
ALL MY CHILDREN
Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. Psalm 127:3 4
Kenneth & Paulette
& Robert Jasmine
Ricky & Jo
an
ette
n Noel & An
Ronald & A n
n
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I REMEMBER MAMA… For believing in me even when I appeared to have lost my way. For seeing me through my challenges even when no one else cared. Thanks for the love you gave as a grandmother to my children, a love I can only relate to by the love I now feel for my own. I will forever cherish the tears and the joys you expressed for me. You will forever be my Mama. “Be at Peace my Precious Angel.” Marcia Welch - 11/14/1953 The person who is responsible for not only giving me life but also the one who taught me how to be a decent and humble human being in all that I do in life. Dr. Noel Gray Sr. - 12/29/1954
Through the eyes of Chantel Gray (writing on behalf of her father)... When I think of my mother
Ms. Daphne May Gray, I visualize a strong woman with more strength than any one man or women can ever physically, mentally, or emotionally, possess. My Mother was not only a strong Jamaican woman but, a very loving one with a heart made of pure gold. My mother was someone who believed in me, knew I could do great things, and supported me every single step of the way. Materially, we may not have had much growing up, but in terms of love we had an abundant supply. Our mother gave us all of the love she had unconditionally. The love of our dear mother is enough to last a lifetime. I sincerely hope that you sleep well in paradise. Chantel writes on behalf of her mother Ann and siblings Simone and Shauna… We could all tell that grandma had a very special place in her heart for
her dear son Ronald. They way they interacted with each other was something only they could understand because their mother and son bond was something unlike any other. My father was always there to help her whenever she needed him and vice versa. Our grandma has been through everything with us: all of the birthdays, sports days, family reunions and everything in between. We know that you are with us everywhere and that you are not truly gone. Every time the wind blows we know you are there. No matter what, we will always talk about you to keep your wonderful legacy alive. Grandma, please say hi to Daddy for us and tell him you left us doing well. We love you. Dr. Ronald Gray 10/9/56 – 10/31/2018 6
…IN A SPECIAL WAY Mama, remembering you is easy; I do it every day, but there is an ache in my heart that will never go away. I can’t explain the numbness I feel in my body. Not in a million years did I think losing you would hurt this much. How do I say good-bye to the woman who brought me into this world, the woman who taught me how to be gentle yet strong, kind and patient? The woman who I have looked up to all my life, the woman who was the best grandmother, and in her own way, the father to my daughter? Mama, I know I could not repay you for all that you have done for me and Danielle. Even if 1 lived a hundred years, I couldn’t. I could never be the woman you were. Many times I should have told you that I love you but I took it for granted that you knew. That Wednesday before I left for work and I told you good luck with the surgery and that I love you, I was sure you would be back home on Friday, so I could nurse you back to health. Instead, you went on home to glory on Saturday afternoon. I want to tell you everything that’s in my heart. I want to tell you how much I love you and how much I miss you. I want to tell you thanks for helping me to raise Danielle to become the person that she is. I want to tell you so many things in person, but right now I can’t. Mama, I know for sure that you are in a place that I am striving to go, so I hope that one day we will be together again. I know that you are in heaven trying to find some work to do, but for right now, just sit back and enjoy your rest. I love you mama forever and always. Muriel “Dimples” Irwin 4/23/1958
“Strength and honor are her clothing; she openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness, her children arise up and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:25, 27-28
My mother nurtured me with love and guided me in the path of growth which leads to LOVE AND WISDOM. I am honored to carry on this legacy to my daughter Tashell and grandson Ezra. My mother, Daphne May Gray, a precious gift from God is now my other Angel in the sky. Adelle “Pinky” Lewis 9/19/1959 7
SACRIFICIAL LOVE Mama has taught me how to live in many ways. One beneficial lesson has helped me to be independent in life. Also, not to go to people yard so as not to get in trouble or to cause them to ‘get tired of me’; these lessons still work even now. Not to have too many friends and company to get you in trouble; that one I passed on to my son Jiri, and although it was difficult for him he learned why very soon. Mama taught me how to be satisfied with what I have and to learn to do without with what I cannot afford. That lesson has helped me in my job as a bursar. She told me to make good use of what I have. A perfect example was that old radio she once had listening to her cricket. She even had to turn it upside down for it to function properly. Living in Jamaica still, I do a lot of those things to survive. She taught me how to run a little business on the side (basket making), even though I have an 8 hour job. I go to work every day because I was taught to be a responsible person so that I would be able to help my son. Mama was always more than a champion mother in my life. School was a must! I was the only one who attended College in Jamaica and never started to work early because I told her I wanted to continue going to school. She got me in to college with the connections she had at Excelsior. It will be difficult for anyone to beat Mama as a good example of a mother. Her duties and functions as a mother are incomparable! I love Mama for all these things and more. Dawn Gray 9/2/1960
Mama, while I knew physical departure from this earth was inevitable and I am comforted by the fact that you are now in the presence of the most high God who you love and serve, it still aches my heart to know that I will not be able to see you, touch you, or speak to you again. I feel so blessed and will forever be thankful that God selected you to be my mother. Thanks for all you sacrificed and the love you showed my kids, Amanda, Jeremy, Kayla and Jared as well as my wife Paulette with nothing expected in return. I hope your reunion with Papa and Ronald is going well and I look forward to our next dance together. Kenneth “Sonny” Gray 12/9/1960 8
SUPERMOM Mama, how did you do it? You were a teacher, counselor, doctor/nurse, chef, housekeeper, peacemaker, and you loved unconditionally. I am one of nine luckiest persons in the world to have been blessed with a mother like you. You left me no gold, no silver or money but you left me with riches no one can take. You taught me how to love unconditionally, how to forgive, how to walk away, how to be a friend, how to pray & most of all how to be a Mom. Robert, my husband, calls you Mama. Shanoska and Shanae, my two children, call you their Grandma with love and pride. Mam, you’re wonderful to think of but so hard to be without. I thank you Mama. Jasmine Young 5/15/1962
You were my guiding angel, my rock and protector. You believed in me when no one else understood me. Your light will always live on in my heart. Stafford “Ricky” Gray 10/23/1963
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MOTHER GRAY‌ THIS IS YOUR LIFE
Born May 26, 1930 Parents: Iris Edwards & Joshua Anderson Born in St. Mary, Jamaica Married: Alfred Gray - December 19, 1964 Birthed 8 children, raised 9 Has 21 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren Worked at Excelsior High School, Kingston, Jamaica Migrated to the USA in 1985 Worked at Regent Park of Aventura, Florida Retired in 2004 Visited Paris, England, and Antigua Dedicated her life to the Lord at a very early age Foundation member of Pentecostal Tabernacle since 1996 Called home to be with the Lord July 19, 2019
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5.26.1930 – 7.19.2019 Saturday, August 10, 2019 Viewing 10:00 a.m. Service 10:30 a.m. Pentecostal Tabernacle Int’l 18415 NW 7th Ave. Miami, FL 33169 Officiating Minister Pastor S. Robert Stewart 11
ORDER OF SERVICE Processional Band –Instrumental Wind Beneath My Wings Opening Remarks
Pastor S. Robert Stewart
Prayer Hymn Congregation How Beautiful Heaven Must Be Scripture Reading & Reflection Proverbs 31: 10-31
Tashell Lewis – Granddaughter
Praise Expression Supermarket Flowers
Jasmine Young – Daughter
TRIBUTES Hon. Desmond McKenzie – Former Mayor of Kingston & St. Andrew Video Tribute Dr. Barbara Sharpe – Principal, Pentab Academy Scripture Reading & Reflection Danielle Bowie – Granddaughter Psalms 91 FAMILY TRIBUTES Dr. Noel Gray Sr., Kenneth Gray, Stafford Gray – Sons Muriel Irwin, Adelle Lewis, Jasmine Young – Daughters Song Pentab Singers In The Valley He Restoreth My Soul Noel Gray Jr., Christina Gray, Jeremy Gray, Shanoska Young, Simone Gray Grandkids Ezra Francois – Great grandchild Song Adelle Lewis & Dawn Gray Oh What A Sunrise, It’s Going To Be Eulogy Marcia Welch – Daughter Offering Pentab Singers In lieu of flowers an offering will be taken for Pentab Academy Choir Song Pentab Senior Choir Hallelujah We Shall Rise Message Pastor S. Robert Stewart Prayer for the Family Recessional Recorded Version He Promised Me A Home Over There
SONGS HOW BEAUTIFUL HEAVEN MUST BE We read of a place that’s called heaven, It’s made for the pure and the free; These truths in God’s word He has given, How beautiful heaven must be.
Chorus How beautiful heaven must be Sweet home of the happy and free; Fair haven of rest for the weary, How beautiful heaven must be.
Chorus How beautiful heaven must be Sweet home of the happy and free; Fair haven of rest for the weary, How beautiful heaven must be.
The angels so sweetly are singing, Up there by the beautiful sea; Sweet chords from their gold harps are ringing, How beautiful heaven must be.
In heaven no drooping nor pining, No wishing for elsewhere to be; God’s light is forever, there shining, How beautiful heaven must be.
Chorus How beautiful heaven must be Sweet home of the happy and free; Fair haven of rest for the weary, How beautiful heaven must be
IN THE VALLEY HE RESTORETH MY SOUL When I’m low in spirit I cry Lord lift me up I want to go higher with Thee But the Lord Knows I can’t live on a mountain So He picked out a valley for me
It’s dark as a dungeon And the sun seldom shines And I question Lord why must this be Then He tells me there’s strength in my sorrow And there’s victory in trials for me
Chorus And He leads me beside still waters Somewhere in the valley below And He draws me aside To be tested and tried In the valley He restoreth my soul
Chorus And He leads me beside still waters Somewhere in the valley below And He draws me aside To be tested and tried In the valley He restoreth my soul
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GRANDMA’S GEMS
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PRICELESS JEWELS
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GRANDMA’S CIRCLE OF LOVE A grandmother is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend – Author Unknown
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THE THIRD GENERATION
Grandma left us a legacy of love… for family, for others, but most of all for God.
OUR TRIBUTE TO
MRS. DAPHNE GRAY ON BEHALF OF THE EXCELSIOR HIGH SCHOOL FAMILY
We are, all of us, enrolled in a full-time informal school called ‘life’. Each day in this school we are presented with the opportunity to learn ‘life lessons.’ Those of us who were afforded the privilege of attending the greatest ‘life school’ of all, Excelsior High School, in the sixties, would have experienced the joy of living like a family away from home. Who were our school ‘mothers’ and ‘fathers’? you might ask. Our beloved founder and principal, the late Dr. the Hon Aston Wesley Powell, other school administrators and members of the academic staff would have fulfilled their roles in that capacity. However, there was a group of very special people, the ancillary staff, who would each day ensure that we were well-fed in a beautiful cafeteria or café, as it was then called. They made sure that our classrooms and other facilities were maintained at the highest standard; always clean and neatly arranged. One special member of that group was Mrs. Daphne Gray, the very precious lady whose life we celebrate today. I can remember her now in her neatlypressed, green and white gingham uniform, with her tool of trade in hand and that beautiful smile of welcome for her school children, as her eyes crinkled with joy. I think Jasmine and Dawn were the only children of her own to have attended our alma mater. The most memorable attribute of this hardworking ‘builder’ of Excelsior High School was her gentle spirit. She never raised her voice in acrimony at any of us, even though she would not hesitate to ‘admonish with love’ those who misbehaved, especially the noisy footballers and track stars who would get out of 18
line on occasion, while telling their wild stories in the cafe. In those days the sports teams were afforded a hot meal each day, so at lunchtime Miss Daphne and her colleagues would assist in serving them, so that they could return to their classes on time. It was evident that she enjoyed her tenure at Excelsior, and even if she didn’t have all good days, you would never know, because she always wore a smile. Those were the ‘good ole days’ of ‘squeeze up’ bun and cheese or hot school patty with the triangular-shaped chocolate milk from Cremo! According to Edith Watson: “There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” It would perhaps be true to say that Miss Daphne spread her light at Excelsior in both ways – simply, yet effectively, being a light, but when necessary, reflecting it. So today we celebrate her life and express our deepest gratitude to Miss Daphne’s family for allowing her to share a significant part her life with us, at Excelsior, if only for a while. We honour her today, for the exemplary way in which she conducted herself, serving us as a mother, provider, dedicated worker and guide. We will remember her today and forever cherish her memory; being truly grateful to this wonderful lady who showed us how a fruitful and productive life should be lived. “So, go forth sweet angel, go forth to meet your Lord! Some sweet day we’ll meet again and sing with one accord… Alleluia… Alleluia… thank you Jesus! Amen!” ‘AGE ANIMO’ Written by Allison C. Peart (nee Smith) Class of 1970 Excelsior High School July 31, 2019
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SWEET FELLOWSHIP ON EARTH
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SWEET FELLOWSHIP IN HEAVEN REUNITED AND IT FEELS SO GOOD No grave can hold my body down No grave can hold my body down When the trump of the Lord shall sound And the dead in Christ shall rise No grave can hold my body down 22
THANK YOU Our family appreciates every kind word, your thoughtful expressions of love, your tangible gifts, your presence, and your prayers. You have demonstrated the love of God and been a blessing to us in every way that you have ministered to us in our time of bereavement. Special thanks to Pentecostal Tabernacle, Pastor and Sis Stewart, and the entire congregation for making this house of God a home away from home for our mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Pastor Stewart, you have been there for us on countless unrecognized occasions: New home blessings, christenings, hospital prayer visits, wedding, and now her Home Going Celebration. Thanks does not seem like enough for all you have done To Sis. Annette Taylor-Spence and Bro. Shawn Ferguson - Thank you for completing what seemed to be an impossible task in time to send off our family member in style. Your dedication and time on the program is truly appreciated.
The Gray Family
Professional Services Royal Funeral Service Inc. 17475 NW 27th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33056 305-625-6818
Concept Design & Editing Annette Taylor-Spence Love CareFronting 954-439-5615
Repast Pentecostal Tabernacle Banquet Hall 18415 NW 7th Avenue Miami Gardens, FL 33169
Printing Pentecostal Tabernacle International, Inc. www.PenTab.org
Interment Hollywood Memorial Gardens North 3001 N 72nd Avenue Hollywood, FL 33024
Graphic Design & Layout Shawn Ferguson Gracious Grafx Studios www.GraciousGrafx.com 954-515-9016
PALLBEARERS At the Church Robert Young Son in law Dawin Welch Grandson Ravaughn Gray Grandson Rashaun Gray Grandson Jeremy Gray Grandson Jared Gray Grandson
At the Graveside Dr. Noel Gray Sr. Son Kenneth Gray Son Stafford Gray Son Kimani Reeves Grandnephew Noel Gray Jr. Grandson Jordan Harrigan Great Grandson
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A MOTHER’S PRAYER My prayer is that the legacy will continue to be passed down… The legacy of unconditional love… Love of family, love of others, and love of God. Lord Jesus, I thank you for the strength you have given my family. Help them to understand that I have entered your presence with joy. I know they will shed a tear, but I pray that they do not grieve without hope. I pray that they too will prepare to meet Jesus as their Savior so that we can meet around the throne.
JESUS PROMISED ME A HOME OVER THERE There’s a place in heaven prepared for me When the toils of this life is over Where the saints are clothed in white before the throne Singing praises forever, forever more In my Father’s house there are mansions bright If He said it, then I know, I know it’s true, yeah There’s a place for me beyond, beyond the sky Brothers and sisters there is one for you Jesus He promised me a home over there Jesus promised me a home over there No more sickness, sorrow, pain, care He promised me a home over there
The Memorial Keepsake A Production of
Gracious Grafx & Love CareFronting
