Our beloved mother, Mrs. Glister Pauline Hill Gray, a quiet and beautiful soul was escorted into the portals of Glory in the early morning hours of April 23, 2022, surrounded by two of her daughters. At 97 years old, she was one of the oldest matriarchs in the Collinstown/Stateline Community, where she resided for most of her life and was known to everyone as “Glis”. She was born in Patrick County, Virginia on December 15, 1924 to the late Frank Robert Hill and Minnie Nunn Hill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved soulmate and husband of 64 years, Johnnie J. Gray; siblings, Alma Hill (deceased at birth), Thelma Vangol, Tom Hill, Garfield Hill, Matthew Hill, and Juanita Montgomery.
Mom was a marvelous cook, known for her special fried chicken, and was a dedicated gardener, who produced unbelievably sized flowers. She also adored birds and animals that came to her yard and was often called “Snow White” by her family. Other than the work on her busy farm, and a small grocery store, she was also employed by J.P. Stevens and United Elastic. She was a member of Collinstown Presbyterian Church, which she loved and attended faithfully until she was no longer able to do so. She never appeared to meet a stranger and would often give out hugs to perfect strangers who seemed to greatly appreciate the sentiment. Hugs were her ministry in a world that needs touch. Also, you could rarely leave her home without a parting gift. A remnant of one of the greatest generations, she had an incredible charm and work ethic, who loved everyone. She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.
Left to cherish the memory of our beloved mother is her four children, Sandra Gray Elliott, Donald J. Gray and wife, Connie, Nancy Gray Gammons, and Beverly Gray Conner and husband, Robert; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Margaret Cassell; one brother, Herbert Hill, several nieces and nephews, and her precious fur baby, Fiona.
Mother will lie in state on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Collinstown Presbyterian Church from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for friends to be able to come by and pay their respects. A private graveside service will be held with Pastor Tracey Collins officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Collinstown Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund c/o David Williams, 1279 Gray Circle Rd, Westfield, NC 27053. Online condolences may be sent to www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
We, the family of Mrs. Glister Gray, would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to special neighbors, dear friends, and the members of mom’s beloved church family at Collinstown Presbyterian Church for all the years they have reached out to her and to anyone that has touched her life. Your kindness and caring means the world to our family.
