Shirley Gray

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Shirley Ann Gray was born August 28, 1959, in Neosho, Missouri, the daughter of Ernest Junior and Dora Mae (Huffman) Drake. She entered into rest on August 3, 2023, in Joplin, Missouri at the age of 63, surrounded by her loved ones. 

Shirley graduated from Seneca High School and was a lifelong area resident. She had worked at Eagle Picher and at Headstart. She attended Crowder College while her children were in school and obtained her Associate’s degree. She then began working in different departments for the college, working as an athletic assistant, retiring in 2022. 

Shirley loved spending time with her grandchildren and being outdoors. She attended New Salem Church. 

On April 23, 1983, in Diamond, Missouri, Shirley and Charles E. Gray were married and he survives. 

In addition to her husband, Shirley is survived by four children, Charles ‘Chad’ Gray, Ethan Gray, Alisha Gray, and Dustin Baker, and Whitney Stevens and husband, Michael, all of Neosho; three grandchildren, Hunter Rakes, Carson Baker, Maddisyn Stevens and one due to arrive in October. She is also survived by a brother, Steven Drake, and wife, Debbie of Neosho; a sister, Sharon Winchester, and husband, Jerry of Neosho and a bonus sister, Seretta Fraley of Adair, Oklahoma. As well as several extended Kruse family members, nieces, and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by two uncles, Don Drake and Norman Drake, and brother-in-law, Gordon Fraley. 

Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 1 pm at the Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories. Following the service, the family will receive friends until 3 pm. 

Contributions in memory of Shirley may be made to the Athletic Department of Crowder College (Basketball Fund), c/o Clark Funeral Home, PO Box 66; Neosho, MO.