Bettie Gray

Bettie Lee Decherd O'Brien Gray passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday February 27, 2014. She was born August 6th, 1925 in Flatonia, Texas to Dawson and Carrie Mae Decherd. She is survived by her husband of 25 years; Dean Gray of Waxahachie, her three daughters; Sharon McGee - husband Johnny of Fort Worth and sons Matthew and Trenton McGee, Mary Thomas - husband Marty of Tulsa, OK, Emily Price - husband Mark of Waxahachie and daughter Marisa, Four step-children; David Gray and his wife Nancy Bateman of Dallas, Andy Gray and Virginia Miller of Austin, Ann and Dan Deminski of Rowlett and daughters Dinah Stoffergen and Bethany and Zane Barnes, Peter and Marlana Gray of Waxahachie; sons Jacob and Josh with his wife Carolyn . As well as 2 precious cats: Pumpkin and Sugarfoot. Bettie graduated from the University of Texas in 1945, then received her Masters of Social Work in 1948 from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. She moved to Waxahachie with her 3 daughters in 1966. Bettie became an active member of the Central Presbyterian Church during the past 48 years where she had the honor of serving as an elder, Sunday school teacher, VBS volunteer and Women's Circle leader. Bettie was a lifelong member of the National Association of Social Workers and a member of the Ellis County Democratic Women. She had her own private family counseling practice helping many in the community. Bettie and Dean enjoyed years of traveling, playing bridge and spending time with their children and grandchildren. She worked tirelessly for 24 years at the Presbyterian Children's Home and Service Agency for all the children. Bettie felt every child, no matter their background, should feel loved, cared for and safe. One of her favorite quotes was "One hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, what sort of house I lived in, or what kind of car I drove, but that the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child". God guided her well as she continued to make a difference to all of those around her. Family visitation is Friday March 7th 6-8 pm Wayne Boze Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life Memorial service is Saturday 11 am at the Central Presbyterian Church Waxahachie, TX. A graveside service will be Sunday March 9th at Oakhill Cemetery in Flatonia Texas. In lieu of flowers, family request that memorials be sent to Presbyterian Children's Home and Service Agency (PCHSA) 4407 Bee Cave Rd. Suite 520 Austin, TX 78746

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