Marguerite L. Gray

MARGUERITE L. GRAYMarguerite Louise Gray, age 84, of Marshall died peacefully Monday morning, May 15, 2006 at Tendercare of Marshall surrounded by her family.Marge was born in River Rouge, Michigan on April 26, 1922. She was the third of five children born to William C. Wells and Florence Fishwick Wells. She grew up during the Depression in River Rouge, with a loving extended family. Marge graduated from River Rouge High School and shortly thereafter married John J.W. Gray, whom she had known since first grade. They were married on October 20, 1945.Marge was an accomplished soprano and became active in the Epworth United Methodist Church Choir and United Methodist Women. Marge had four children before her family relocated from Detroit to Cincinnati, Ohio, where Marge continued to volunteer in church and care for her family. She also became very active in community choirs and theater. She was a highly sought vocalist for weddings and chorale performances. She performed with the choir that sang with jazz composer and performer Dave Brubeck at the premier of his oratorio, "The Light in the Wilderness" at Music Hall in Cincinnati. Marge and her family returned to the Detroit area and lived there for 10 years before retiring to Marshall in 1984. Marge remained active with the Marshall United Methodist Church choir and United Methodist Women.Marge is preceded in death by John, her husband of 58 years. She is survived by her sons, Dr. Bill (Debbie) Gray, their daughter Emily (Kevin) Kane and grandsons Ethan and Kyle Kane, their daughter Laura (Chad) Cherington and granddaughter Jenna; Dr. Jim (Denise) Gray and their son Jonathan; her daughters, Kathleen (Dr. David) Lambrix and their children John and Susan Lambrix; and Susan Gray (Todd Buchta) and their children Koerner and Asa Gray-Buchta. Visitation hours will be Thursday from 9:00 to 9:00 at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home. The family will receive visitors from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00. The funeral will be held 10:30 AM Friday, May 19, at Marshall United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions to the United Methodist Church, U.M.C.O.R.. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.