Judith (Judy) Gray
May 17, 2020
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Service Details
Judith (Judy) Eileen Gray, 70, of Johnston, was called home to heaven on May 17, 2020.
Judy was born Nov. 9, 1949, to Bob & Doris Houser and lived in the Des Moines area her entire life. She attended Roosevelt High School, Grand View, UNI and Drake University. Judy married Jules Gray on May 19, 1973 and went to be with the Lord just two days short of their 47th anniversary.
She was a woman of God and faithful to Him through the peaks and valleys of life. She brightened the room wherever she went, always putting people at ease and family first. Never one to take things too seriously, she was usually the one laughing and finding the joy in the little things. This joy was shared with many friends with whom she had a true and special relationship.
She loved children, spending her entire career teaching for the Des Moines Public School District. With a special talent for junior high math and social studies, Judy retired in 2010 while teaching at Callanan Middle School. She created lasting memories for her students through her humor, fun and caring spirit.
Judy will be missed by her husband Jules; daughter Jennifer (Bryan) Sampson of Chicago; granddaughters Evelyn and Campbell; sister-in-law Jan Houser of Des Moines; and sister-in-law Kathryn Mikesh Houser (Ray) of Johnston. Judy also had a great love for and bond with the many nieces and nephews she left behind. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Bob & Doris Houser and brothers Ted and Jim Houser.
The family is holding a small, private service to celebrate Judy’s life at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2020. The family invites friends to join them virtually for Judy’s service.
Those who knew Judy are asked to share memories/tributes through this link.
Over the years Judy was a proud blood donor. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating blood to your local blood bank or monetarily to LifeServe Blood Center of Iowa.
Please use the link below to share a video remembrance or condolence for Judy's family.
Send Hugs for Judy Gray
Cam Risser
09/05/2020
I had the privilege of co-teaching with Judy for several years at Callanan. Her sense of humor was wonderful and she did not take too seriously. One of my favorites was when a student was reminded by Mrs. Gray to make better behavior choices a student would sometime say, that isnt fair. Mrs. Gray would then respond, the fair is in August. Students would always stop and think about her response and smile or laugh. I often use that technique when students (or adults) believe that something isnt fair.
Lonny, Sherrie Silber
05/24/2020
We thank the Lord for having known Judy, Jules, and Jenny as part of our church family for many years. Judys heart for children, wit, spirited humor, and strong faith inspired many. She was a unique personality that added color and fun to all of us Blessed to know your family.
We send our love, prayers, and thankfulness that we got to share Judys life and light.
Roberta (Holt) & Phil Schwarz
05/23/2020
Jules, So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family and know that Judy will be missed so much.
Jim May
05/23/2020
Jules I send my condolences to you and your family.Your friend at First Baptist Church, Johnston.
Mark Foust
05/23/2020
So sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family and know that Judy will be missed so much. But she is alive and well with the Lord and that is an unbelievably joyful time for her.
Let us know if we can help during this time of grief.
Jan Gray Deal
05/23/2020
Judy was my sister in law, friend, and wife to my brother Jules. Sbe would bring brother in law Tim, sister in law Kim, and family members together for a lunch and say your mom would be so proud we are all together. Judy would invisibly bring us into her love of God and she prayed names by saying the alphabet each day. Thank you for you prayers, Judy.
You will be deeply missed. I love you. Until we meet again.
Love,
Jan
John Lytle
05/22/2020
Jules and Jennifer,
I'm greatly sorry for your loss. Judy's in a good place now.
Phillip Sams
05/21/2020
Judys family were members of Union Park Baptist Church on E.9th & Arthur in Des Moines. That is where I first met Judy. As young children we grew up in that church and it was there that she also met Jules, I think. My memories of Judy are of a very kind and cheerful girl who everyone was pleased to know. When Judy went to Roosevelt High School, Jules and I went to North where we took Drama class together and were in school shows. A few years after High School, Jules and Judy were married and I remember thinking that the two of them were well matched. I was very happy for them. Although the years have passed and we lost touch with each other, there is a warm spot in my heart when I think of them and how they got it Right. For Jules, and their family, this is a difficult time and I can only send my condolences to them and hope that their sorrow will be comforted. Judy was one of the really good people. Our world is diminished by her passing.