Mrs. Irene Gray

Mrs. Irene Smith Gray was born October 11, 1939, in Auvergne, Arkansas, to Arthur Smith and Edoma Taylor Smith. At age 3, she spent her early years with her Uncle Clarence and Aunt Irene Hawkins. In 1951, she rejoined her parents and five siblings at age 12. She accepted Christ at an early age. Growing up in Blacksville, Arkansas, she graduated from Blacksville Elementary Training School in 1954 and WF Branch High School in Newport, Arkansas in 1957, then moved to Kansas City, Missouri to live with her oldest sister Willa French. Irene lived in the Kansas City, Missouri area most of her life. In 1960, Irene married Paul Hamilton Gray in Kansas City, Missouri. They were happily married for 29 years until his passing in June 1989. To this union two children were born, Glenn Lamar and David Anthony. Irene worked at Beloved Toy Factory in Kansas City, Missouri before a 31-year career at Western Electric/AT&T in Lees Summit, Missouri from 1965-1996, earning several professional certificates and awards. After retiring, she worked for Primerica Financial Services as a Field Trainer, with a Certificate of Diploma from AD Banker & Company on the Basics of Insurance/Entrepreneurial Certification and H&R Block as a tax preparer until retirement in 2013. A dedicated member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ for over 40 years, Irene served on church committees, as a Church Treasure Trustee, Member of the Adult Sunday School Class and on the Usher Board until her illness. Irene enjoyed traveling, especially during her husband's Air force service in Zeist, Netherlands, and continued exploring destinations after his passing. Irene took cruises with her sister and friends to: Alaska, Holland, Amsterdam, Mexico; attended Family Reunions in different cities and took road trips with son and his family. Her hobbies included sewing, cooking, collecting recipes, upholstering furniture, crocheting, gardening, exchanging plants with sister-in-law, talking on the phone, shopping all day with daughter-in-law and visiting her sister. Irene made her sons clothes when they were younger and created products like the Do-bee sleep/shower cap which was sold in beauty supply stores. Family meant everything to Irene. From the moment you met Irene and asked about her family, you could tell she was the happiest when she was with her sons, grandchildren, great granddaughter or relatives. Irene passed away on January 14, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Gray; parents Arthur Smith Sr. and Edoma Taylor Smith; sister Willa French, and three brothers, Arthur "Cleo" Smith Jr., Edward "Smitty" Smith, and Marvin Smith. Irene is survived by her sons, Glenn Gray (Bernita) and David Gray (Elizabeth); sisters Helen Bryant (Melvin Sr.) and Martha Hampton; sister-in-law Dorothy Nell Smith; four grandchildren, Tyson Canty (Elree), Whitney Gray, Dane Gray and Dorian Gray; one great-granddaughter, Nicole Canty; nieces and nephews; a host of other relatives and friends. An Angel Touch Her and She Slept Funeral Services will be held on Friday January 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Palestine Missionary Baptist Church 3619 East 35th Street KCMO 64128. Interment: Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Visitation: 10- 11:00 a.m. at the Church. Arrangements entrusted to Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapels. Condolences may be shared on our website lawrenceajones.com

Mrs. Irene Gray

October 11, 1939 - January 14, 2026