Judy Elaine Gray

Judy was born in Dayton, Ohio and was the daughter of Smiley T. Easley and Ruby Lee Calhoun . Her father served as a career United States Army warrant officer, and her mother Ruby was a homemaker. She was the eldest of five children. Judy and her family were assigned to various military forts in the United States, and in Europe, including Fort MacArthur in San Pedro.

She began her schooling in Alabama with her Aunt Laura Strickland as her teacher at Westside Country School. She attended various schools through military travel and graduated high school in Munich, Germany. She attended Worldwide University of Maryland, where she studied Library Science and English and later attended Harbor College in Wilmington, California.

Judy met John R. Gray while they were campaigning for Tom Bradley for Mayor. They were married October 12, 1963 at Mt Sinai Baptist Church in San Pedro, Ca and were to celebrate 60 years of marriage. Their union produced daughters Cheryl and Rachel whom she instilled education, class and self-respect. She moved on to become employed at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Harbor City as a ward clerk, and rose to the position of lead supervisor of the Medical Records Department. She retired after 30 years of service in 1998.

Judy loved traveling and her ventures took her to Hawaii, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, cruises and various United States tourist sites. If you know her, Judy had a love of playing games, doing puzzles and playing bingo with her girls. She was a feared tactician and player. She was also called Miss Cali at the Las Vegas Casinos.

She adored her Grandsons: Darrin, Joshua and Caleb whom she instilled the love of adventure and traveling from a young age. Her favorite pastimes with them were listening to music, dancing and cooking for them. She was grateful to all whom welcomed her when she returned to San Pedro and thankful to those who became her friends. She genuinely loved you all. She was always available to help a friend and any other person . She was loved by many and moments with her will always be remembered. We thank you Judy for your love, generosity and loyalty.

Judy Elaine leaves to cherish her memory her husband John R. Gray, Daughters Cheryl Gray and Rachel Smith, Grandsons Darrin Smith, Joshua Smith and Caleb Smith, Siblings Glenna Ross, Veronica Easley, Shelia Hjelmervik (Brian) and Smiley Easley (Linda), Nieces & Nephews Dr. Alicia Easley, Allison Easley, Brian Hjelmervik Jr. (Irene), Sarah Hjelmervik, Sharonda Easley, Noel Easley, Noah Easley, Nolan Easley, Misha Edwards, Aaliyah Easley, Anthony Purvis, Julianna Holland, Samara Hjelmervik, and a host of Cousins and Friends.