In Loving Memory of Ora Lee Gray

July 29, 1943 – September 15, 2026

Ora Lee Gray, age 83, was born on July 29, 1943, in Tyronza, Arkansas, to the late Joseph Clyde Knuckles and Odesser Knuckles (née Burns). She was raised in Tyronza before making her way to Racine, Wisconsin, where she came to help her sister-in-law care for her children.

It was in Racine that Ora met the man who would become her husband, James Andy Gray. The twomarried in Racine and built their life and family together. After James passed away in 1987, Ora became a widow and continued raising and caring for her family. She became the person her family leaned on for care, strength, and support in more ways than one.

Caring for others became an important part of Ora's life, both personally and professionally. She began her career as a nurse's aide at St. Mary's Hospital. She later worked at Southern Colony before transitioning to Lincoln Lutheran Nursing Home, where she continued caring for others for many years.

Her faith was an important part of her life. Ora was a member of Second Missionary Baptist Church for over sixty years, where she faithfully served on the Nurses’ Board Board and also worked in the church kitchen, helping prepare and serve meals for church gatherings and special occasions.Her church family, her service to others, and the many years she spent contributing to the church were an important part of her life's journey.

Ora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Andy Gray; her son, Glenn Elliot Gray; her parents, Joseph Clyde Knuckles and Odesser Knuckles (née Burns); her six brothers, Tommy Knuckles, Joseph Knuckles, Carey Knuckles, Sampson Knuckles, Earl Knuckles, and Jeff Knuckles; one sister, Emma Knuckles; her brothers-in-law, Louis Buckingham, Bill West, Nathaniel Smith, and Charles Edwards; many aunts, uncles, one niece, and nephews; her special cousin, Ella Mae Ferguson; and her special friend, Mary Hargrove.

Ora was also preceded in death by members of her husband's family: his parents, President and Artie Gray; his brothers, Charles Gray and Willie Ed Gray; his sisters, Ruby Waldrop, Bertha LeSure, Mary Ann Pulliam, and Ruth Felt; her brother-in-law, Joseph Felt; and her sisters-in-law, Carolyn Gray, Mae Gray, and Annie Pratt.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Karen Mylinda Gray (Jerry Lewis, Sr.) of Savannah, Georgia; James Patrick Gray of Racine, Wisconsin; and Sandra Lyn Gray (Damon Rohan) of Savannah, Georgia. Her loving grandchildren are Cedric Jydann “Bo” Lawson, her first grandson, whom she and her husband James affectionately nicknamed “Bo”; Nadia Jylissa Jean (Sergio) Johnson, Sean PatrickGray (Seanie), Damon James Rohan (DJ), Jerry Lewis Jr. (Scootie), and Autumn Lyn Lewis.

Her great-grandchildren are Kaden Marshall (Jub), Karma Marshall (Rose), Sergio Jr. (Baby Sergio), Aliya Gray (Lalee), and Sophia Gray (Cash). She is also survived by her siblings, Sammie Smith of Oxford, Mississippi; Jonnie B. Knuckles of Oakland, California; Louise Smith of Racine, Wisconsin; Ruby Buckingham of Antioch, California; Classie West of Racine, Wisconsin; Dorothy (Willie) Burnett of Anniston, Alabama; Altoria Edwards of Racine, Wisconsin; Odesser (Greg) Maxie of Vallejo, California; and Harvey Knuckles of Quimper, France. She also leaves to cherish her memory her brothers-in-law, Roger Gray, and Unzie Gray, and her uncle Dan Burns of Racine, Wisconsin; her aunt, Edna (Aaron) Baker of San Leandro, California; her special friends, Grace McMillan, Shirley McClain, Betty Lott, MaryAlice Woods, and Joanna Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family, and friends.

The Things She Loved

Anyone who knew Ora knew how much she loved to cook and bake. Her kitchen was a place where love was shown through food, and among her specialties were her sweet potato pies and German chocolate cake. During the holidays, she had a special list of family members and friends for whom she would lovingly bake cakes and personally deliver them. It was one of the many ways Ora showed her love and made the holidays special for those she cared about.

Holidays were especially meaningful to her. During the Christmas holiday, Ora's table would be filled with a full dinner spread, along with cakes, pies, cookies, and other treats she had lovingly prepared for her family. She also had a talent for making beautiful wedding cakes. For Ora, cooking and baking were more than things she enjoyed—they were ways she brought her family together and showed the people she loved just how much she cared. During the summer and fall, Ora loved to bring family and friends together in her home where she showcased beautiful flowers and a backyard garden. In addition to planting flowers for every season, she also grew pears and planted vegetables that resulted in bountiful harvests.

Ora loved gospel music, her favorite singer was Mahalia Jackson and she enjoyed looking her very best for every occasion. She loved getting dressed up, putting everything together just right, and completing it all with a touch of her favorite perfume. She was also a true basketball fan. She loved watching Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, and in later years she became a devoted Milwaukee Bucks fan. Giannis Antetokounmpo became her favorite player, and watching basketball brought her great enjoyment. 

A Smile and Laugh We Will Always Remember

More than anything, Ora will be remembered for the love she had for the people she cared about. Her smile could brighten any room into where she walked. She had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick comeback that could catch you by surprise and leave everyone laughing or smiling. And when Ora laughed, you couldn't help but laugh with her. Her laugh was contagious, and anyone who truly knew her knows exactly what that laugh sounded like. Those are the things that cannot be replaced and will never be forgotten.

Ora Lee Gray leaves behind a lifetime of memories—the smell of food cooking during the holidays, sweet potato pies and German chocolate cakes, Gospel music playing, basketball games on television, her beautiful clothes and favorite perfume, her quick wit, her unmistakable laugh, and most importantly, the love she gave to her family.

Although her physical presence will be deeply missed, the love, laughter, traditions, and memories she gave her family will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings, special friends, and all those who were blessed to know and love her.

Her smile will be remembered. Her laughter will be remembered. Her love will be remembered. And she will forever remain in our hearts.

Homegoing Celebration

Friday, October 2, 2026

Second Missionary Baptist Church 1250 Lathrop Avenue Racine, Wisconsin

Viewing: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m.

Officiating: Pastor Daryn David Crenshaw

Interment: Graceland Cemetery Racine, Wisconsin

YOU MAY WITNESS THE SERVICE VIA LIVESTREAM BY SELECTING THE LINK BELOW ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2nd: 

https://fb.me/e/6CEPURfgS?mibextid=wwXIfr