Bertha Jones Gray - Obituary

treaming Link for Bertha Jones Gray Memorial Service Bertha Jones Gray Memorial Service A smile you could hear over the phone. A presence that brightened the darkest day. A joyful laugh, paired with a nurturing hug, assured her that she loved you deeply. That was Bertha Jones Gray. Bertha was born on March 29, 1938, in Baxley, Georgia, to the late Rev. David L. Jones, Sr., and Mrs. Alberta L. Henry Jon After a brief illness, she entered eternal rest and joined her Savior Face to face in the early morning hours of December 2025, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, Maryland. She was 87 years old. On November 6, 1965, Bertha married the love of her life, SFC William (Bill) Preston Gray, Sr. Their 54-year marriage is a testament to love, faith, devotion, and partnership. Together, they raised eight children. In the mid 1970’s, after returning from being stationed in Germany, they made their home in Silver Spring, Maryland, and later retired to Waycross, Georgia, in 2000. In February 2025, Bertha returned to Maryland, where she remained with her daughter Carmen until her passing. Bertha was educated in the Appling County School System in Baxley, Georgia. After high school, she moved to Washington, DC, where she attended vocational business school and began her career as a civilian federal employee. She worked for the Small Business Administration before transitioning into journalism and public affairs at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. While earning her Public Affairs and Media Specialist certification through the Department of Defense, she wrote for The Stripe NKA The Stars and Stripes Newspaper and retired after almost 30 years of faithful federal service. Following retirement, Bertha continued to pursue her interest in real estate, earning her Maryland & DC real estate license and working with several agencies throughout the DMV area and later in Waycross, Georgia. Even in retirement, she continued serving others, including her work as a switchboard operator at Satilla Regional Hospital, where many were comforted by her bright, soothing voice. Bertha was a radiant light to all who knew her. She loved butterflies and often said, “Butterflies are free,” seeing them as a reflection of life lived unbound and beautiful in Christ. From an early age as a PK (preacher's kid), Bertha accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and throughout her life, she grew steadily closer to Him through prayer, study, and faithful service. She embodied the fruit of the Spirit—love, patience, kindness, gentleness, and peace—and encouraged and uplifted all who crossed her path. Though devoted to her work, Bertha’s greatest joy was her family. Whether supporting her husband’s military career, caring for her children, sending care packages, serving as a sports and Girl Scout mom, or nurturing extended family and friendships, she gave of herself selflessly and joyfully. Bertha was also an active servant in her church and community. She faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher and Deaconess at Clifton Park Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, supported the American Association of the Deaf & Blind, and worked alongside The Good Samaritans Incorporated in service to those in need. Wherever she lived, she served faithfully in her place of worship, most recently as a devoted member of South Side Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia. One of Bertha’s greatest joys was being a founding member of the Jones–Manor–Gray Family Reunion. Planning and participating in these gatherings brought her immense happiness, and she cherished the time spent strengthening family bonds across generations and distances. Bertha leaves to cherish her memory six beloved children and their families: daughters Teresa Gray Jones (the late David) Roanoke, Virginia; Carmen Ayanna Gray (Marcus Dominguez) of Washington, DC; Sonia Gill Clough (Roland “Chip”) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; niece and adopted daughter Juanita DeLores Taylor of Brunswick, Georgia; and sons William Preston “Billy” Gray, Jr. (Sharon) of Screven, Georgia; Dearick Jon Gray (Carrie) of Rockville, MD; and Paul Diallo Gray of Waycross, Georgia. She is also survived by her loving sisters Frances Boone, Dessie Burgess, and Harriet Johnson. Her extended siblings Emaul, Cynthia, and Tara; her sister-in-law Lula Wright; her dear friend Hanalore Buckley; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Bertha was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her sons, Kenneth Alvin Gray and Zoltan Anthony Gray; her parents; her siblings and their spouses; and many beloved family members. Bertha’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of those who loved her, but one filled with the blessed hope found in Jesus Christ. More than anything, Bertha would want us to seek His love and serve Him wholeheartedly. May we honor her life by sharing the agape love, joy, laughter, compassion, a encouragement she so freely gave. We grieve—but not without hope—for we trust that we shall one day be reunited in the presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen and Amen! A celebration of Bertha’s life will be held at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 3pm. Interment Arlington National Cemetery. Bertha Jones Gray Memorial Service For those attending, please arrive at Fort Myer Old Post Chapel no later than 2:00P.M. Please note you must have your own transportation as Arlington does not allow Uber/Lyfts. Anyone 16 years old or older that is planning on attending must have their government issued Real ID with them. Attached below is the link to access the base. https://pass.aie.army.mil/jbmhh A repast will be held on base afterwards at the officer's club @ Spates Hall 214 McNair Road from 4:30-7:30 P.M.