John 14:2; In my Father,s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you: I go to prepare a place for you. 3; And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. As We Remember Mother Ruby Lee Moore Gray And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. Revelations 214 Mother Ruby Lee Moore Gray was born in Iredell County on April 29, 1931, and was the daughter of the late Elder Rufus Moore and Overseer Henrietta Ellis Moore. On Sunday morning, November 10, 2019, she departed this life at the Gordon Hospice House in Statesville, N. C. surrounded by the love of her family. Raised in Statesville, Mother Gray attended the Iredell County Public School system and graduated from Morningside High School. Mother Gray’s children greatly appreciated the love and sacrifices she made in her own life so they could take advantage of the opportunities she never had. Before retiring and returing to her home in Statesville, she was a successful and highly respected business woman. She owned and operated a neighborhood grocery store for over twenty years. Her generosity and kindness made her beloved by community residents. Following her move home, she worked with the Day Care. Steeped in a Christian foundation, Mother Gray was a member of Lilly’ Chapel now Greater Lilly’s Chapel Church since her return home. Her devotion manifested in her work as the Church Treasurer and Event Coordinator. In that role, Mother Gray found great joy in preparing home-cooked meal for her church family. Everyone raved over her Salad Festival, fish frys and lemonade. Mother Gray had a quiet strength and was not one for public speaking, but had been a powerhouse in serving the Lord and her congregation. She greeted everyone with a warm smile and a loving heart. She was married to Wade Franklin Gray in 1952, who preceded her in death. Mother Gray was the proud mother of nine children, Elwanda, Susan, Elaine, Leroy, Marion, Linda, Patricia, Sylvia and Robert. In addition to her parents and her husband, her son, Robert Charles Gray, also preceded her in death. She leaves to cherish the memory of her life, her children, Elwanda Young of Brooklyn, New York, Susan Gray of Charlotte, Elaine (Greg) Woodberry of Homestead, Florida, Leroy (Jeannie) Pressley of Queens, New York, Marion Pressley of Atlanta, Georgia, Linda Pressley of Long Island, NewYork, Patricia Pressley and Sylvia Jackson, both of Statesville, NC; her sister, Overseer Barbara Moore (Frank) Imes of Statesville; her godchildren, Wanda Jean (Donald) Johnson and Dyland Young; her grandchildren, Etienne Lyde, Lamont Woodberry, Eric (Tiffany) Woodberry, Rahjia (Corey) Vandiver, Tavon Pressley, Leroy Pressley, Jr., Keith Jackson, II and Dominique (Kenneth) Cooks; great grandchildren, Michael Lyde, Jordan Woodberry, Alexander Woodberry, Victoria Woodberry, Eric Woodberry, Aaron Woodberry, Emmi Woodberry, Ife Vandiver, Asha Vandiver, Damaja Shuford, Jahkory Christmas, Ruby Cook, King Cook; Kyina Cook, great great grandchildren, Jamiyah Lyde and Janiyah Lyde; an aunt, Rachael Gayles; nieces, nephews, a host of cousins, other relatives, the church family and dear friends. Celebration of Life will be conducted Sunday, November 17, 2019, at 2:00 p.m. at Greater Lilly's Chapel. Overseer B. M. Imes is Pastor, Assistant Pastor C. B. Cuthrell will officiate and Elder G. K. Williams will eulogize. Burial will follow in the Belmont Cemetery. Mother Gray will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 12:30 p.m. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m., but will assemble at the residence at other times. Visit the Book of Memories for Mother Gray at www.rutledgeandbigham.com. Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the Gray Family.