Thelma Gray Wray Taylor
April 1, 1934 – October 20, 2024
Thelma Gray Wray Taylor was born on April 1st, 1934, to Mary Evelyn Wray Hunter and Silas D. Percell. Thelma was raised by her grandparents Lawrence Edward Wray and Maude Martin Wray following her mother’s demise. Thelma was one of many family members and friends who worked on her grandparents’ farm. Thelma attended W.E.B. Dubois School where she graduated and achieved her high school diploma.
Upon completion of her academic aspirations in North Carolina, Thelma moved to New York City where she worked as a seamstress in the garment district, a collator for Metro Games, and as a Home Health Aide for Visiting Nurse Services. Thelma was extremely caring and compassionate in the performance of her duties, which is exemplified by the various awards she received throughout her career. During her tenure she received awards for Outstanding Service, Home Health Aide of the Year, and paraprofessional excellence. Thelma enjoyed partaking in several pastimes. She played and loved watching basketball and was an avid fan of the Boston Celtics. Cooking was another one of her passions and if you haven’t tasted any of her coconut cakes, sweet potato pies or potato salad then you have missed out on a delightful experience.
Her favorite pastime of all was spending time with her family playing a variety of card games. Thelma retired from Partners in Care, originally Visiting Nurse Service of NY and moved back to North Carolina.
Thelma was affectionately known as “Nana” to her Grandchildren and all other children she encountered. She loved and cared for the children in her neighborhood and tasked herself with the responsibility of assuring that they all got on and off the bus safely.
Thelma was called home on October 20th, 2024, She left peacefully in the comfort of her home. She was proceeded in death by her mother, Mary Evelyn Wray Hunter, her father Silas D. Percell, her grandfather Lawrence E. Wray, her grandmother Maude Martin Wray, her sister Arnetta R. Wray Hawkins, and her nephew Jessie L Wray.
She leaves to cherish her memories one son, Ernest Wray Sr., two daughters, Denise Wray and Emma Wray; six grandchildren, Tasha Wray, Ernest Wray Jr., Jamai Wray, Videl Wray, Terry Wray, and Shakima Wray; five great grandchildren, Lawrence Casillas, Isabella Wray, Janai Wray, King Wray, and Evelyn Stewart; two aunts, Dorcas Wray Robinson, and Mavis Farrar; life time partner Cero Myers, and a host of family and friends.
Funeral service will be in Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory Chapel on Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11:00am with a visitation from 10:00am to 10:45am prior to service.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell.
www.stricklandfuneral.com
8 Comments
Prayers and condolences to the Wray family
Prayers for the family and friends and her companions we will miss you Melissa Beckwith Richardson Daisy and Jesse Beckwith and Cero Myers rest beautiful lady 💔🌹🙏
so sad of ms Thelma passing I wonder why who ever wrote this left out her son John Taylor she talked about how she missed him quite often I pray she is with him and her mom she talked about all the time to😥
I’ll never forget Thelma’s smile and sweet demeanor. She was so special to us all. Family, may God bless and keep you during this time of transition. Love you all.
May God give you comfortable doing the difficult times remember Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal
We join you all in grieving the loss of Thelma. She was full of life, joy, and stories about family. I’m so glad we got to spend time with her over the past couple of years and at the 2023 Wray-Martin Family Reunion. We’ll miss her dearly. We love you all and will keep you in our prayers in this season of grief. May God bless you all richly and comfort you in you loss. Much love to you all. Claude & Jannese Allen
Ms Thelma, you were a jewel of the neighborhood. Although I moved away years prior, you have always held a beautiful place in my heart. Your smile I can still see today, warm and inviting. You will forever be missed. ❤️🙏🏽
PRAISE THE LORD, EVERYBODY ! ! !
on October 20th 2024 my Mother left this world, she joined her husband John W.Taylor.Sr my Father and her fourth child John W. Taylor. Jr …. little John, our brother.i am devastated beyond words of her passing at this time. Please know that I am at peace beyond all understanding.
You are still number one on the walls of Visiting nurse service of NY.City. A lot of people at National Action Network remember you. Please remember our Mother with a smile in your heart.
Shakima and I felt you on Thursday morning. Thank you for letting us know that you are fine.
I was told that you are with your Mother and a lot of the ancestors came down to walk with you.
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