Mother Mary Jane "Gray" Gathings

September 17, 1921 - June 29, 2020

Mary Jane “Gray” Gathings 98 of Mellwood, Arkansas transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday June 29, 2020 at her home. Mary was born on September 17, 1921 in Elaine, Arkansas to the late Joseph Gray and Julia May Cunnings. Later in life Julia May married T.R. Vaughn from Elaine, Arkansas where they raised Mary and Louis Gray. Mary Jane attended Elaine school and accepted Christ at the age of 10. She was an active member at First Baptist Church, Zion Travel and Gumwood Baptist Church. Mary was a woman of God. Mary was a faithful Sunday School teacher, on the mother board, a faithful choir member and a dedicated Eastern Star. Mary also loved what she did as a very faithful cook for the Elaine Elementary School. Mary Jane was a beautiful, loving and a God-fearing person to the end. She always kept a smile on her face and always knew what to say to lift a person spirit. Reading her bible was a must she loved being around her family and friends and loved to go fishing. On November 6, 1978 she married Douglas Gathings Sr., and to their union eight children were born. Douglas (Katherine) Gathings Jr., of Mellwood, AR; Issac Abraham Gathings of Denver, CO; Leslie Gathings of Mellwood, AR; Julia Mae (Samual) Hicks of Chicago. IL; Vera Walker (Willie) of Calumet, IL; Jearline Gathings and Ruth Gathings both of St. Paul, MN; Verlin (William) Thomas of Mellwood, AR; Two sisters Willie B. Joyce of St. Joseph, Louisiana; Frances Westley of Las Vegas, Nevada; and One brother Aurthur Gray of St. Joseph, Louisiana In the late 70’s Willie B. Joyce was determined to find her sisters and brother. What a beautiful sight to see when they were reunited. During this search Mary found out that she had seven siblings four of which who preceded her in death as well as Mary husband Douglas Gathings her parents, all of her sons, and Louis Gray, all preceded her in death. Mary favorite scripture was Psalm 100, Her favorite poem "Tunk", Her favorite song "I shall wear a crown" when I see Jesus in Heaven Amen. Mary's favorite quote He's a God you can't hurry...He will be there just don't worry Amen... Mary shared a special bond with so many. She leaves to cherish her legacy of love her children, forty grandchildren, thirty-nine grandchildren and one great-great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss her dearly. Due to COVID-19 we are strongly asking that u follow the directions of our Directors. We are strongly advising everyone to stay 6 feet apart during Mother Mary Jane "Gray" Gathings funeral services. Please be advised that this is a time of sorrow for many, but please go by the directions of our directors so that we can insure the safety of Mother Mary Gathings family and those who attend. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused for our families; yet it is imperative that we obey the law and do our part and keep the spread of this virus down. Respectfully Stephens Funeral Home & Staff