Juanita Gray

Juanita Merritt Gray, 86, 2101 Christian Lane, Johnson City, died Monday, January 30, 2006 at her home. She was a native of Elizabethton, but had lived in Johnson City for most of her life. She was a daughter of the late, Arthur E. and Josephine H. Merritt. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Bernie L. Gray , Sr. one daughter, Norma Jean Dockery, one brother, Jack Merritt and one sister, Louise Shell. She was a member of the First Christian Church and was a member of the Mr. & Mrs. Sunday School Class at First Christian. She was a member of West Hills Garden Club and had volunteered at the Johnson City Girls Club teaching sewing. Her other interests were gardening and painting. Survivors include; one son, Bernie L. Gray, Jr. and his wife Helen of Johnson City; two sisters, Thelma Gentry and Margaret Sheridan all of Johnson City; one brother, Hiram 'Max' Merritt of Knoxville; five grandchildren, Lattie Gene Dockery and his wife Carrol of Johnson City, Mylinda Dockery, Lexington, Ky., Lisa Love and her husband Rob of Johnson City, Rick Gray and his wife, Tammy of Johnson City and Lora Fishman and her husband Geoffrey of Atlanta, GA.; seven great grandchildren, Abbie Love , Hannah Love, Ellen Love, Mykalin Jones, Gabe Jones, Will Fishman and Helen Fishman; several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 PM Thursday from the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Dr. Tim Wallingford and Mr. Steve Hill will officiate. Burial will follow in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Rick Gray, Geoffrey Fishman, Rob Love, Bryan Merritt, Andy Geeter and Kevin Poe. Honorary pallbearers will be Men of the Mr. and Mrs. Sunday School Class of First Christian Church. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 until 3:00 PM Thursday and other times at the home of Bernie and Helen Gray, 1807 Waters Edge Drive, Johnson City.