Lora Mae Gray

December 9, 1935 ~ November 14, 2021 (age 85)

Lora Mae Gray of South Bend, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021. She was born December 9, 1935 in Blytheville, Arkansas to the late Jacob E. and Hester E. Long. On January 3, 1956, she was united in marriage with Eddie Gray.

Along with her parents, Lora was preceded in death by her son, David E. Gray; brothers Jacob Long and George Long; sisters Lula Belle West and Sarah Long.

Lora is survived by her daughters, Carole J. Langel, Sharon K. Gray, Catherine Gayle Keller, all of South Bend; a son, Darryl E. Gray of Jackson, MI; sisters Billie (Joe) Wesley of South Bend, Mabel Long of Danville, IN and Jeanette Long of South Bend; brothers John Ellis Green of Chicago, IL, Thomas (Marsha) Long of Indianapolis, IN and Robert Long.

Lora leaves behind two grandchildren, Candance Langel and Camille (Carl) Mankowski; five great-grandchildren: Alexis, Angelle and Brian Snyder, David and Seth Mankowski; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Lora was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. She graduated from Central High School in 1954. She worked at Nyloncraft, as a teacher’s aide, Crow Chizek cleaning offices and retired from South Bend Community School Corporation. A devout Jehovah’s Witness, she loved and dedicated her life to talking and teaching others about the Bible. She enjoyed watching Westerns, comedies, eating out, gardening and spending time with her family. She will be remembered for her patience, loving spirit; never complaining, even until the end of her life.

Thank you to family and friends for their help, support, prayers and encouraging words. Thank you to the caregivers and nurses at Memorial Hospital, the caregivers and nurses at Center for Hospice Care of Mishawaka. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka IN 46545.

Per the family’s wishes, no public services are currently scheduled. A memorial service will take place at a later date. Palmer Funeral Homes – West Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be left at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.  

11/18/2021 EJS