Peggy Ann Williams Gray

Peggy Ann Williams Gray of Little Rock, Ark., loving called (Blue), left this earth to join the Lord, Thursday morning, November 24, 2016. She was preceded in death by her parents, E.L. and Blanchie Williams; husband Joseph Harold Gray Sr. She was born in McNeil, Arkansas on July 3, 1938. Peggy attended McNeil public schools. She graduated from Philander Smith College with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. She continued her education at University of Arkansas-Fayetteville and obtained a Master of Science in Education. She furthered her studies at the University of Central Arkansas and obtained an additional 30 hours. Peggy's career choice was primary education. As an educator, she touched the lives of many students and student-teachers during her tenure. She taught 48 years in the Little Rock School District. She had a wonderful, compassionate way with students and a rare sense of humor that drew them to her. She was a dedicated teacher who had high expectations for her students and brought out the best in them. She had been a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church for more than 60 years, where her service included being a Vacation Bible School teacher and a member of the Steward Board, Trustee Board and Maggie T. Ashford Missionary Unit. She faithfully served, never seeking recognition for the many services she performed for her beloved church. Her civic, and professional affiliations have included the NAACP, the Urban League, the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association, Little Rock Classroom Teachers Association (now LREA), AEA, and NEA. Peggy was a lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She was initiated into the Gamma Alpha Chapter in 1957. She transferred to the Beta Pi Omega chapter in 1959. Peggy's passions included cooking and entertaining. She was affectionately known for her glitzy fashion, beauty, elegance and grace. She modeled for over 40 years. She was a local fashion icon. Every time she stepped onto a runway, the audience applauded. She used her special talent to help raise money for local charities. Peggy leaves to cherish her memory her only child, Joseph Harold Gray Jr. (Andress); one grandchild, Jason Joseph Gray and a host of relatives and lifelong friends. Service for Mrs. Peggy Gray will be 10 a.m., Friday, December 2nd, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 815 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Ark. Services are entrusted to Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305. Family visitation and sorority rites will be from 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday, at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 815 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Peggy's name to Bethel A.M.E. Church, 815 West 16th Street, Little Rock, Ark. 72202.