Mrs. Mildred Gray

Mrs. Mildred Elizabeth Pope Gray was born on January 13, 1918 in Newsoms, Virginia to the late Richmond and Idonia Cutler Pope and was called to eternal rest on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at 2 a.m. in her home.

Mildred Gray was a very loving and dedicated wife to her late husband Minister William E. Gray, and a devoted mother to her daughter, Ms. Wilma J. Atkins. Many may wonder how she met her husband nickname “Stackey”.  She was introduced to him by her brother Hugh Pope who expressed that if she wanted to hear good singing that she should go to Lincoln Park Baptist Church. When she visited Lincoln Park Baptist Church, she was very impressed by Stackey and of course, his base singing. Well, you know the rest......she was later happily married and the two of them began their family!!

Mildred Gray attended Gunns Elementary School in Newsoms, Virginia and even though she had limited education she loved the Lord and knew the bible very well. She devoted her time with regularly attending Bible Study, Sunday School, Church services while spreading the love of Jesus Christ to all. She was a woman of great faith, strength and her spirit was filled with the love of Jesus Christ.

She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a very early age and served as a Deaconess for over 50 years until her transition to eternal life. Deaconess Gray was a dedicated and committed servant who was a member of Canaan Baptist Church, previously known as Lincoln Park First Baptist Church. She faithfully served under Pastor Rev. Rylander, Sr., Pastor John Merritt, Bishop Samuel Cutler, and currently under Pastor Travis L. Copeland. Under the pastoral leadership of Rev. John Merritt, she started the John Merritt Angel Choir, a dynamic group of small children, aging from five to 12 years old. She also was the director of the Junior Usher Board and through her leadership they were a part of the Usher Conference of the Tidewater/Peninsula area. In addition, Deaconess Gray started a Junior Deacon Board and provided training every second Sunday of the month, along with the Junior Usher Board, the John Merritt Angel Choir and the Junior Choir. Deaconess Gray was a member of the Missionary Board, the Senior Usher Board, and the Gleaners Board. She was a very active member and used her spiritual gifts and hands to bless many.

Deaconess Gray was the Mother of Canaan Baptist Church.

Mrs. Gray fondly known by her family and loved ones as “Granny”, “Auntie” or “Mother” worked diligently for over 40 years as a domestic worker. During her employment she had the opportunity to travel to Jerusalem with her company and it was a trip that she would never forget. After her retirement, she was employed as a foster grandparent with the Child Development Lab at Mary Peake Elementary School located in Hampton, Virginia. Mrs. Gray was recognized by News Channel 3 for commitment to the community and people in need with the “People Taking Action Award” for taking action and getting results in the community. She was a member of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia and was named “Star Moon”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and three sisters. She leaves to cherish in loving memory her daughter, Wilma J. Atkins of Hampton/Newport News, VA, her granddaughter, Denetrice L. Williams of Newport, News VA, one great grandson, JayQuane C. Williams (fiancée Fonya) of Newport News, VA, one great granddaughter, JaYana C. Williams of Hampton, VA, two great-great grandsons, Jayden and Mason, one great-great granddaughter KaiLyn, goddaughter, Gloria Myers of Hampton, VA who she raised and lived with her, her devoted sister, Bessie Peoples of Newport News, VA, loving brother, Clarence Pope of Newport News, VA, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Viewing for Mrs. Gray will be held from 4:00p.m. until 7:00p.m. Thursday, October  21, 2021 at Canaan Baptist Church 1100 W. Queen Street. Hampton, VA. 

Servcies for Mrs. Gray will be held 11:00a.m. Friday, October 22, 2021 at  Canaan Baptist Church 1100 W. Queen Street. Hampton, VA.  by Pastor Travis Copeland

Interment will follow at Hampton Memorial Gardens. 

It is the desire of the Gray- Atkins  family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Mildred Gray has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc., 

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