HENDERSON - Velma Gilliam Gray, 88, a resident of 1557 Peace Street, died Friday, October 27, 2017, at her home. Born in Franklin County on March 30, 1929, she was the daughter of the late Otha Lee Gilliam and Julia Brewer Gilliam, and was the widow of Alvin Curtis "A.C." Gray, Jr. She was member of First Baptist Church Henderson. Velma retired from Roses's Store, Inc. in 1968 and later worked at WJRN Radio Station in Lenoir and at Hobbs Tobacco Warehouse in Clinton. She was a member of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol Ladies Auxiliary, and loved gardening, cooking, playing cards, and doing jig-saw puzzles.

A private graveside service was held at Elmwood Cemetery by the Rev. Donald A. Lowery.

She is survived by one son, Alvin Curtis "Butch" Gray, III and wife, Lucy of Henderson; one granddaughter, Cooper Gray Tharrington and husband, Daniel of Henderson; and two great-grandchildren, Lucy Scott Tharrington and Crawford Gray Tharrington. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Jimmie Gilliam and Cedric Gilliam; and an infant sister, Imogene Gilliam.

The family received friends on Saturday and Sunday and on Monday, beginning at 12:30 pm at her home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, PO Box 75, Henderson, NC 27536; Kindred Hospice, 136 Roxboro Road, Oxford, NC 27565, or to a charity of one's choice.

Velma's legacy was her love of children, from Butch and his friends to Cooper and her friends, and she loved all of them being at her home.

Arrangements are by J. M. White Funeral Home.

Paid Obituary