Mother Jessie Mae Grays

Today we celebrate the remarkable life, enduring faith and loving spirit of Mother Jessie Mae Grays.  On June 7, 2026, she transitioned from earthly labor into eternal rest at the age of 83. 

Born on June 10, 1942, in Leon County to Jessie and Rosetta Johnson.  Jessie Mae was a blessing from the very beginning.  She possessed a quiet strength, a gentle heart, and a humble spirit that touched everyone who crossed her path.  Her life reflected kindness, compassion, and unwavering faith in God.

Jessie Mae graduated from Evan E. Worthing High School. She worked as a nursing assistant for many years.  In 1966 Jessie Mae became acquainted with Robert Lonnie Grays, Jr.  Their love for one another was so great and unconditional that they become one in holy matrimony on May 10, 1970.    

Jessie Mae accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Elder Gerrado. In the early 80’s she became a member of the Holy Temple COGIC under the leadership of Supt. W. L. Jordan, Sr. and later Supt. Michael R. Jordan, Sr. where she served in multiple capacities.  In 2014, Jessie Mae united with the Ark of Restitution Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Vern L. Cooper.  In 2022, she was appointed as one of the mothers of the  Ark of Restitution Baptist Church.   

Jessie Mae and Robert enjoyed cooking and serving others.  With his famous BBQ meat and her “potato salad” and beans people drove from miles around to enjoy. They hosted “Soulfood Sundays” at their home many Sundays.  They were a match made in Heaven’s kitchen. Jessie Mae also had a love for kids and she was blessed to keep all of her grandchildren until school age.   She also cared for many of her nieces and nephews and others who needed a babysitter.

Her journey was filled with faith, love, humility and service. She was preceded in death by her father, Jessie Johnson, Sr., her mother Rosetta Johnson, two daughters, Jacqueline Collins and Patricia Nealey-Harris, two son in laws, Cecil Harris and Robert Jones, Sr., one grandson, Robert Tyree Grays, and many other relatives and close friends. 

On June 7, 2026, Mother Jessie Mae Grays went to rest in the loving arms of our Lord and Savior.  Her journey was meaningful and impactful.  Along the way she helped countless love one and friends.  She leaves in mourning, four children, Leslie (Marie), Sharon, Robert (Tammy), Katenia (Tim), one son in law, Alfred Collins, one sister, Pearlie, one god-daughter, Carolyn, one special nephew, Danny, one special niece, Marietta, twenty six grandchildren, twenty-nine great grands, nine sisters in love and four brothers in love,  along with countless extended family members, church family and friends. 

Although we grieve her absence, we rejoice in the life she lived and the legacy she leaves behind.  She taught us that greatness is found in humility, that service is an expression of love and that faith can carry us through every season of life.  Her influence will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Today, we do not simply say goodbye-we celebrate a life well-lived, a race well-run, and a servant who faithfully answered God’s call.

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