Ann Marie Powell Gray

Ann Marie Powell Gray, 79, of Indianapolis, Ind., an angel to her family, her community, and everyone she touched, gained her wings on March 13, 2023. Ann passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, after a brief illness.

Ann was born in Doddsville, Miss., to Rochell and Dorothy Powell on Nov. 25, 1944. After graduating from South Bend Central High School, she left her hometown to attend Indiana University. Ann married the love of her life, Moses William Gray, on Nov. 22, 1962, embarking on a journey of love and commitment that inspired many throughout their marriage.

She worked as a Customer Service Representative for Indiana Bell/Verizon/Frontier Communications. She also excelled as an entrepreneur for Mary Kay, reaching many milestones with the company before retiring after more than 20 years — including Mary Kay Senior Cadillac Sales Director as the leader of Ann's Angels, Queens Court of Sales and Sharing, and Mary Kay Director for the city of Indianapolis, only the second African American to receive that designation.

Throughout her life, Ann also demonstrated what it meant to have a servant's heart. As a member of Light of the World Christian Church for more than 50 years, Ann joined her husband in their dedication to supporting others through the church's marriage ministry. They also demonstrated their commitment to building stronger families through their work in promoting the adoption of African American children.

Over the course of many years, Ann served as a chartering member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Indianapolis Chapter, and "Angel to the Gents" with the role of recruiting for Gourmet Gents, a signature event that included former mayors, city-county council members, nonprofit and corporate Executives, civic leaders, and business owners. Ann also served on the YMCA board of directors, and as a member of the Links, Inc., Indianapolis chapter. She also devoted her time to supporting teachers and students by volunteering as a classroom assistant in the local school district.

As a breast cancer survivor, Ann touched the lives of many other women who shared her journey, many of whom she connected with while painting with her St. Vincent Cancer Support Group. She also enjoyed the many aspects of nature, tending to her vegetable and flower gardens, and keeping a bird feeder stocked so that she could sit and admire the awe-inspiring beauty of hummingbirds.

She also demonstrated her creativity with an annual Christmas play production with all of her grandchildren, who "willingly and unwillingly" took part in wearing costumes and sharing the Christmas story. Family was important to her and she went out of her way to make her signature lemonade, and special baked dishes and desserts for all during gatherings.

Ann also enjoyed traveling with her husband, Moses. Together, they visited numerous states and cities around the world. On many occasions, family members and friends accompanied them in their motorhome to visit others or just to share a great vacation.

Ann is preceded in death by her loving husband, Moses William Gray, who passed away on Feb. 2, 2023; daughter, Tamara Ann Gray Brown; parents Rochell and Dorothy Powell; and a brother, Rochell Dennis Powell. She leaves to cherish her memory, her son, William 'Bill' Gray (Jerlyn Rogers ); brothers, William Tower Powell and Glenn Lance Powell, and Lawrence B. (Carolyn) Powell; son-in-law, Ronald Brown; brothers-in-law, James Louis Tyler and Ralph (Virginia) Gray; and sister-in-law, Ida Wynetta Gray Hampton; two devoted nieces, LaRushia "Cookie" Jones and LeWana Britt, who have been by her side for 16 years; and sister/cousin, Judy Driver, who devoted many years to Ann's life and wellbeing; grandchildren, Aaron Brown, Maria Brown, Kayla Gray, William Gray, Qishana Gray, Jasmine Gray, Kieno Scott and DeAndre Davis; and three great-grandchildren, Indie Brown, Kashton Gray and Kendrick Gray; and exchange students who became family, Carlos (Mila) Machado and Vicki (Kim) Bruen, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

A Joint Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 1, at Light of the World Christian Church, 4646 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, Ind., to jointly celebrate and honor the lives of Ann and Moses Gray. The Family Gathering will take place from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m., and the service will start at 11 a.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North.

In lieu of flowers, monetary gifts may be donated to the 100 Black Men of Indianapolis for the Moses Gray Memorial Scholarship fund.

The family of Ann Marie Gray wishes to extend its sincere thanks to family, friends, and healthcare community who supported Ann during her illness and in her final days. A special thanks to Dr. Rachel Troupe, St. Vincent Bariatric Family, and the Indiana University Home Care Hospice Staff.

Posted online on March 22, 2023

Published in South Bend Tribune

03/22/2023 EJS