Minister Betty L. Gray

Minister Betty L. Gray of New Haven, CT departed this life Monday November 18, 2019. She was born March 20, 1939 in Egg Harbor, NJ. She is the eldest daughter of Elwood Gray Sr. and Nancy M. Brandon (both deceased). Minister Gray (or as she was affectionately and respectfully known as “Mother Gray”) was the wife of the Late Deacon James Herbert Gray. She had three sisters, Linda Gray, Pastor Jackie Gray, and Patricia Brown, and five brothers: Elwood Gray 3rd (Wife-Gloria), Vencent Gray, Anthony Gray, Douglas Gray and Brian Gray {deceased}. Minister Gray attended elementary and high school in Atlantic City, NJ. In the early 1950’s she moved to New Haven CT, where she worked for the Hostess Bakery for several years. After, she was employed at Monarch Laundry of New Haven for almost twenty years. Minister Gray was also a skilled Nurses Aide and Home Health Companion to clients of all ages, races, as well as all social and economic status. Minister Gray was blessed with ten children: Barbara Johnson (deceased) (Husband-Lester, Eva, Christopher, Loretta (husband-David), Yvette, Acolia, Barbara, Leslie); Vernice Gray (Calvin Jr. {deceased}, Martin, Bonita, Sally, Travis, Shaneila, Lionel (Wife-Tanille); David Pearson (Wife-Brenda, Eric, Catherine, Tyjuan (Wife-Tiffany), Tanille, Dadra); Darlene Gray (Anthony {deceased}, Vivian, Dar’ron); Harry L. Gray (Johnny, Tytesha, Renee); Minister Doris Edwards (Husband-Calvin, Lucretia (Husband-Harold), Christine (Husband-Samuel-deceased), Elijah (Wife-Nafeesah, Theresa (Husband-Marvin), Tammie (Husband-Armande), Annette; Pastor Susan Hogan (Husband-Fred {deceased}Jonathan (wife-Charlene), Chenique, Dominique, Thomas, Marqius “Josh”, Daniel, Ashley, Brandon (Fiancée-Kerra Jackson); Eldress Nancy M. Loyd (Husband-Elijah, Phillip, Kapriece (Husband-Aarron)); Michelle Pearson (Laquita, Donja (Husband-Kerry), Lenshae; and Patricia Evans (Husband-Jeffrey{deceased}, Anthony, James (Markisha), Nicholas (Dara), Kentrale (Wife-Patricia). Minister Gray also has three God-Children: Levon Minor, Victoria Judson, Jasmine Gray. Minister Gray also leaves behind a host of Great Grand Children, Great-Great Grand Children, nieces, nephews and other relatives. During her life Minister Gray manifested a great entrepreneurial spirit. She not only owned her own home, she also owned and operated two businesses: a Home Day Care Center and B&J Cleaning Service. Minister Gray was also a gourmet level cook and possessed great artistic talents. Minister Gray was very active in the spiritual and church arena. She was filled with the Holy Ghost in her early twenties at the home of Evang. M Mitchel. Minister Gray became an avid reader and enthusiastic student of the Bible. Her love for the Word of God enabled and empowered her to become a dynamic and inspiring teacher of God’s truth. In the late 1970’s Minister Gray became a member of Mt. Zion Pentecostal Church, where the Late Pastor Anna Smith was the pastor. She worked in this ministry faithfully until she was led of the Lord to join Faith Apostolic Church in West Haven, CT where the late Overseer, Bessie M. Hardy was the pastor. Here Minister Gray worked as the Adult Sunday School Class teacher and soon became the Church Mother. Minister Gray also worked on the “Yes We Care” and Church Food Pantry committees. Shortly after the turn of this new century, Minister Gray became a member of Faith Tabernacle Ministries located in Hamden, CT where her daughter Overseer Susan R. Hogan is the pastor. After acknowledging her call and proving faithful, Minister Betty Gray was ordained as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. She was a steadfast and ardent worker for the Lord even through her times of sickness and trials. Minister Gray leaves a legacy of Love for God, Love for Life and Love for her family. This faithful, compassionate worker for the Lord will be greatly missed by family, friends and all whose lives she so specially touched.

Minister Betty L. Gray

March 20, 1939 - November 18, 2019