Loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, Joyce Gay Thomas Wring Gray’s love of life did not come to an end with her death. She has gone on to be with her Lord and Savior and even now sings praises with the Saints in Glory. She passed away surrounded by devoted members of her family in her home on May 2, 2022, at the age of 90 after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s.
Joyce Gay Thomas Wring Gray was born on February 12, 1932, to Ernest and Aleen Thomas in Eminence, Missouri, where she spent most of her childhood. She spent much of her early adult years as a seamstress in St. Louis. She gave of herself selflessly to raising her children and grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Gene and Gerald Thomas; late husband David Lee Wring; and son Michael Wring.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband and pastor, Brother Stan L. Gray, married February 24, 2007; one brother, Glendale Thomas; one sister, Karen Cooperman; one son, Gary Wring; seven grandchildren, Dwayne Wring (Bernice), David Wring, Travis Wring, Heather Jacobs, Jason Wring (Stacy), Shawn Wring (Crystal), and Jonathan Wring; fifteen great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; step-mother to Linda S. Gray Combs (William) and Joyce A. Gray Shibilia (David); step-grandmother to nine grandchildren and step-great-grandmother to one grandchild.
Joyce will be lovingly remembered by many as a loyal and ever-present friend. She enjoyed being active for many years in the Women’s ministry at Southside Baptist Church in St. Louis. The last 14 years she served diligently as pastor’s wife to Brother Stan Gray, most recently at First Baptist Church in Williamsville, Missouri.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2022, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri, with Rev. Gary Aubuchon and Chaplain Callum Reavey officiating. Visitation will be held prior to service time from 10-11:00 a.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Thomas Cemetery, Eminence, Missouri.
