Delores Ann Gray

Delores Ann Gray, 77, of Coatesville, PA, passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on January 4, 2021. 

A lifelong resident of Coatesville, she was the daughter of the late Herbert L. Raison and Marie Wilson Raison.  She was the wife of the late Charles Douglas Gray with whom she shared a few years of marriage. Delores became a widow when she was just 39 years old. 

Delores was educated in the Coatesville Area School District. She attended the Historical James Adams School. Delores raised her younger brothers and sisters after the passing of their mother.

Over the years, she worked as a residential worker at Devereux Foundation from 1972 thru 1999.

Her house was the house to go to on Coates Street; “the kool aide house.” Her home had an “Open Door” policy.  

Her personality was kind, giving, and nurturing. Her cookouts were not only for her family but for all of Coatesville. Delores’ birthday was a big event, as she would wait for the phone calls of family and friends who would sing the Happy Birthday song to her over the phone.

Delores enjoyed crocheting and entertaining. Her favorite songs were “Little Drummer Boy” and “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and sisters to places like Las Vegas, Canada and Cancun. She loved shrimp, Reese Cups and Snickers. She always had jelly beans for her to eat. She also loved to make biscuits and pancakes from scratch.

Delores was a member of Hutchinson Memorial UAME Church where she served as a missionary, an usher, and participated in the annual 100 Women in White events. She loved going to church and wearing beautiful church hats. Most of all she loved the Lord.

Delores leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories to her daughter, Antionette Raison and Carletta Raison, who is like a daughter; son, Douglas Charles Gray, Sr., nephews raised liked sons,  Kyhil  Raison, James A. Raison; grandson whom she raised, Charles Kennedy; stepdaughter, Anna (Henry) Coleman; stepson, Charles (Sondra) Brewer all of Coatesville; sister, Carole Taltoan of Parkesburg; brothers, Gregory (Donna) Raison of Coatesville and Dennis (Tami) Raison of Mount Joy; sister-in-law, Martina Raison of Downingtown; special cousins, Doris Alexander of Delaware and Jean Hicks of Coatesville; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Delores was preceded in death by one daughter, Stephanie Raison Gray; son, James E. Raison; siblings: Gloria Craig, Patricia Raison, Constance Raison, Lloyd Raison, Leslie Raison Rodney Raison; two granddaughters Joi'lheta and Ke'asya Gray.

Interment will be in Rolling Green Memorial Park, West Chester, PA.

Flowers can be sent to the church on the day of the service. The theme colors are pink and white.

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