Grace Alston Gray

GRACE ALSTON GRAY MOM’S JOURNEY Grace Alston Gray, of Salisbury, Maryland, transitioned peacefully to eternal rest at her home on Saturday, June 14, 2025. She was born on May 5, 1928 to the late Clinton Henry Smith and Hattie Louise Hudson Smith Showell. Grace received her education in Worcester County, and her Christian education at St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Berlin, Maryland, where she faithfully attended with her parents and siblings. In 1947, she met Johnny Gray and was united in holy matrimony in 1949. From this union, four children were born and the family resided in Selbyville, Delaware. Through 1949 to 1999, Grace held serval positions of employment in Sussex & Wicomico counties. In 1966, at the age of 38, she gave her life to Jesus Christ at St. Matthew Baptist Church in Bishopville, Maryland, under the direction of the Reverend Elder M.T. Mitchell. Grace was dedicated to God and made a commitment to raise her children to know and serve the Lord in the same manner that she was being taught of God’s word. In 1978, she joined in covenant with the Cathedral of Restoration Church (formerly known as the Salisbury Revival Center), in Salisbury, Maryland, where the (late) James & Essie Green were the Pastors. She was affectionately known as “Mother Grace” within the church by many of her brothers and sisters in Christ! Grace served in numerous capacities at the church such as the President of the Pastor’s Aide Committee (for over a decade), usher board, choir, cooking & serving committee, and the church’s cleaniness and beautification committee. She had been a faithful member of Cathedral of Restoration Church for 42 years, under the leadership of the (late) Pastor Andre Jordan, and now, Pastor Dione Jordan. Grace was known for her beautiful & loving disposition, her kindness, and her gentle sweet caring spirit. She touched the lives of so many people through her precious smile and willingness to always help someone in need. Grace was a devoted mother to her children, grandchildren & great children, and a wife, sister, sister-in-law, aunt niece, cousin, friend and Sister-In Christ! Grace truly enjoyed spending quality time with her family as often as she could. She would always participate in any family event or activity that would connect everyone together! Grace loved to shop with her daughters, Serena & Marlina, and she enjoyed traveling with her family to see many different places, as well as going on excursions with her church family! In addition, she was grateful to engage in singing many songs with Marlina in her kitchen to glorify God! Grace loved to praise the name of Jesus! One of her favorite pastimes was watching baseball! The teams she most liked were the Red Sox & the Baltimore Orioles. Her best loved game shows included Family Feud, The Price Is Right, Let’s Make A Deal, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, America Says & Common Knowledge! Grace enjoyed guessing the answers with her family. When she got the answer right, she would say, “Yes, I told you!” Grace will truly be missed by her family & friends, and everyone whom lives she has touched. She will forever be lovingly remembered by her sons; Johnny Gray, Jr., & Gloria Jean of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Cornell & Sharon Gray of Seaford, Delaware, Serena & Tom Green of Middletown, Delaware, Marlina & Ray Belote of Salisbury, Maryland, nine grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Grace was preceded in eternal rest by her siblings; Robert Smith, Jr., Rosetta Hobbs, Frances Wilson, John Albert Smith, Irvin H. Smith, Luretta Purnell, Elaine Blake, Mildred Handy, Jerdeane Waters, Martha Tindley, Morgan Smith at birth, her son, Calvin Smith, and her grandson, Phedelle.

Grace Alston Gray

May 5, 1928 - June 14, 2025