Charlene Estella Gray

April 9, 1931 - April 11, 2021

It is with great sadness that we share the loss of our loved one, Charlene E. Gray. She was born in Kankakee, Illinois at St. Mary’s Hospital on Thursday, April 9th, 1931 and passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 11th, 2021, just days after celebrating her 90th birthday. Her son, James Gray and her caregiver, Tania Jaimes, were at her side. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Robert E. Gray Jr., her parents, Effie A. Schutter Lucus and James H. Lucus, and her grandparents, Patience E. Schutter and Charles H. Schutter. She is survived by 3 sons and 1 daughter-in-law. Richard L. Gray, Robert E. Gray III, wife Wanda and James L. Gray. Her 5 grandchildren are Jason Neuman, wife Jen, Justin Neuman, wife Kate, Krista Meyer, husband Chad, Courtney Gray and Amanda Gray. She had 13 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. Charlene was a long-time member of Asbury United Methodist Church in Kankakee, Illinois and became a member of Sugar Land United Methodist Church when she and husband, Robert moved to Houston, Texas. She graduated from Kankakee High School and The American Floral Arts School and attended Gallagher Business College. She worked at Illinois Bell Telephone Co. as a telephone operator for many years until opening her own flower shop, Flowers by Charlene which started in the garage of their home and eventually grew into multiple flower shops in Bradley, Bourbonnais, Kankakee, and Manteno. In addition to flowers, ballroom dancing was another passion of hers. She was a former member of White Shrine, a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, K3 Business & Professional Club, Eastern Star, and Women of the Moose. Charlene and Robert moved to Houston, Texas in 1996 to be close to their son, Jim who cared for them during their Golden years. Robert passed away on Saturday, December 28th, 2002 and Charlene remained in the care of her son, Jim until her passing. Her son, Jim has planned services in Houston, Texas and in their hometown of Kankakee, Illinois which include a visitation at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77079 on Sunday, April 18th from 5:15pm-8:00pm where guests are encouraged to wear pink. A church service will be held at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive Houston, Texas 77079 on Monday, April 19th at 11:00am. Charlene will then be flown home for a graveside service on Thursday, April 22nd, at 11:00am, held in the Mausoleum at Mound Grove Cemetery in Kankakee, Illinois where she will reach her final resting place with Robert, her parents, and grandparents. When tomorrow starts without me, don’t think we are far apart for every time you think of me, I’m right there in your heart. I’M FREE Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call: I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found my place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joys. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too shall miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow: I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much; Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch. Perhaps my life seemed all too brief: Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now, He set me free. Please pray for us in memory of Charlene Gray.