Dorothy G. Gray

Dorothy Gean Gray, affectionately known as “Dot” and “Dot Gean” was born on May 2, 1949, in Grenada, Mississippi, to the late Willie B.C. Bew and Louellar (nee Wright) Bew. She peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord on July 1, 2026, at Palos Hills Community Hospital in Palos Hills, Illinois.

The youngest of ten children, Dorothy was raised in Grenada, Mississippi, where she developed a lifelong passion for cooking and baking. She attended Holcomb Elementary School and graduated from Carrie Dotson High School. Her love was often expressed through her favorite dishes and desserts, including egg rolls, homemade pizza, caramel cake, and banana pudding, which brought joy to family gatherings and special occasions.

Dorothy accepted Christ at an early age at Williamsville A.M.E. Church in Grenada, Mississippi. In 1968, she moved to Joliet, Illinois, where she united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Isaac Singleton, Sr. Mt. Zion became her spiritual home, and she faithfully served its ministry for many years. Dorothy was a dedicated choir member and later served as advisor and helper of the youth choir, where she encouraged and inspired young people to use their gifts to glorify God. She was actively involved in church programs, supported special events, and worked diligently behind the scenes whenever help was needed. Her faith was evident in her service, leadership, and commitment to nurturing the next generation both spiritually and academically.

It was in Joliet that Dorothy met the love of her life, Cornelius Gray. They were united in holy matrimony and shared 57 years of unwavering love, devotion, and partnership, building a legacy grounded in faith and family.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Dorothy was the heart and foundation of her family. She nurtured generations with her wisdom, strength, compassion, and unconditional love. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, good food, and lasting memories.

Dorothy dedicated many years of service to Western Electric Company, where she worked assembling telephones. She attended Barber School and worked at Community Care as a Caregiver. Beyond her career, she was deeply committed to serving her community. 

Passionate about education and youth development, at Mt. Zion she was the founder of the Shantel Bouie after school tutoring program for middle and high school students, offering encouragement, guidance, and support to countless young people. Known for her courage, honesty, and compassionate spirit, Dorothy had a unique gift for speaking the truth with conviction while always leading with love and grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law, A.B. and Kathleen Gray; her sons, Barnett Gray and Clarence Lazar Gray; siblings, Willie Louise (Oscar) Lewis, Ivory C. (Earnestine) Bew, James “Buddy” Bew, George G. Bew, Louellar McNear, and Armelda Bew-Scott; sister-in-law, Marynetta Gray and brothers-in-law, Telfair Reed and Danny Gray.

Dorothy’s beautiful life and enduring legacy will forever be cherished by her loving husband, Cornelius Gray; her children, Cornelius Jerome (Demetria) Gray, Anitra Reyshelle Gray, and Zachary Sinclair Gray; her beloved grandchildren, Dominice Coleman, Jalen Jerome Gray, and Trevor Jacoby Gray; her treasured great-grandchildren, Milynn Jaliyah Singleton and Maliyah Javonne Singleton; siblings, Ora L. (Coy) McElrath, Mamie R. Reed, and Lorine (Sam) Mitchell; sister-in-law, Mazzie Lee Travis; brothers-in-law, James Gray and Barnett Gray; goddaughter, Margaret Liz Baines; her dedicated caregiver of five years, Luann Pinnick; her Mt. Zion Care Team, Minister Laura Adams; special friends, Marcus Mars, Calvin Luckett and Milton Jones; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives, church family members, and lifelong friends.

Dorothy's life was a shining example of faith, service, resilience, and love. Through her dedication to God, her family, her church, and her community, she touched countless lives. Her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love her.

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