Amanda Jean Gray

Amanda Jean Gray, 81, of Benton was called home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 11, 2022 after a three-year battle with Parkinson's disease. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her son, Matthew Brian Gray; her brothers, Doyle, Dorman, Neil, Dwight, and Roger Meeks; her sister, Jerry Davis; and her parents Luther and Leona Meeks. Amanda is survived by her husband of 63 years, Phillip Don Gray; her son, Brett Gray; her two daughters, Kimberly Gray Lewis and Ashley Gray; her six grandchildren, Gray Lewis, Logan Lewis, Blakelee Martin (Sam), Baylor, Baker, and Blair Jane Gray, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she adored. Amanda was born in Camden, Ark., on July 19, 1940, becoming the youngest of seven children. She graduated from Camden High School in 1958, and at age 19, joyfully married the love of her life, Phillip Don Gray. She and Don quickly began their family having their first two children, Brett and Kim, in Camden. They later moved to Little Rock where, 12 years later, their loving family grew again when Brian and Ashley were welcomed into the world. Amanda enjoyed a lengthy career in the insurance business while raising her children and cherishing her life with Don. Her favorite activities included camping trips with her family on Lake Ouachita as well as golf outings at the Ouachita Valley golf tournaments at the Camden Country Club. She relished the large family gatherings with the Meeks family in Camden. Amanda also enjoyed many years with her beloved bridge group starting when she was in her 20s and continuing until her illness prevented her from doing so. Amanda and Don were also blessed with a very close group of friends at Indian Springs Baptist Church, where they enjoyed years of church activities and weekly dinners. Amanda will be remembered by all as a beautiful, sweet, loving, sensitive wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Many friends describe her as bringing such joy to everyone that knew her. She lived her daily life walking with Christ in everything she did. She will be deeply missed for her natural beauty inside and out and her constant offering of a kind word to all that knew her. Her family is most thankful for all the friends and family who have offered continual support during her lifetime and especially during her illness. A special thanks to Arkansas Hospice, staff and Kelle Mills, for their loving support and care throughout her illness. Visitation will be held on July 18th from 10-11 at Ashby's Funeral Home followed by the Funeral service from 11-12. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Indian Springs Baptist Church. Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com