Peggy Gray

Peggy Gray

Of Tupelo Mississippi, formerly of Texarkana, Texas- Peggy Jean Penny Gray, age 97, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, in Saltillo, Mississippi at Generations Assisted Living. She was born on March 17, 1928, in Linden, Texas, to James Sloan Penny and Ruth Ford Penny. Peggy lived a full and joyful life centered on family, faith, education, and creativity. She was married to the love of her life, Jerrell “Jerry” Wayne Gray, for 69 years before his passing in 2021. Together, they shared countless memories flying in their airplane, traveling the country in their RV and spending time on their favorite lakes, boating and relaxing with numerous family and friends.

Peggy was a dedicated educator who spent many years teaching in the Pleasant Grove School District in Texarkana Texas. Her patience, intelligence, and warmth left a lasting impression on her students and colleagues alike. Outside the classroom, she was a faithful and active member of First United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Texas, where she served as organist and pianist and shared her extraordinary gift for classical music. Her passion for piano, especially classical pieces, filled many homes and hearts with beauty.

Family was at the center of Peggy’s life. She treasured the holidays, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, when loved ones gathered to share stories, laughter, and traditions. One of her cherished yearly rituals was composing a heartfelt Christmas letter, filled with reflections and updates, which she sent to friends and family with great care. Her birthday, falling on St. Patrick’s Day, was another occasion she joyfully embraced—never missing a chance for a celebration.

Peggy enjoyed playing games, especially working on crossword puzzles, writing poems and creating beautiful stained-glass pieces, showcasing her keen mind and artistic talents. She will be remembered for her laughter, humor, positive attitude and the deep love she extended to those around her.

Peggy leaves behind her two children, Jim Gray and his wife, Vickey, of Tupelo, Mississippi; and JJ Molaison and her husband, Mike, of Houston, Texas; two granddaughters, Whitney Tharpe and her husband, Seth, of Houston, Texas, and Sloan Westmoreland and her husband, Ethan, of Pontotoc, Mississippi; four great-grandchildren, Ava Blake Westmoreland, Ford Tharpe, Penny Tharpe, and Indi Mae Westmoreland; and one sister, Suzette Gray of Wake Village, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Wilford Penny; and sister, Nanette Henry.

The family will celebrate the lives of Peggy & Jerry Gray with a Memorial reception for family and friends Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 3 until 5 p.m. at Chapel Wood Memorial Gardens, 1001 North King Highway, Nash, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Salvation Army.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be made at PeguesFuneralHome.com.