Willa Jean Gray

Jean Gray

Nettleton – Willa Jean Brookman Gray, 89, began her new life in Heaven on Thursday, January 12, 2023. She was born in Lee County, MS to the late James Richard Brookman and Mattie Bell Worthy Brookman.

Jean attended schools in Nettleton and went to work early in the garment industry. She worked for many years as a Seamstress for Amory Garment Company. She married the love of her life, Bill Gray, and they were blessed with four children and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Of all her accomplishments in life, she was most pleased with being able to raise and support such a large family. When times got tough, she would always tell her children, “It will be ok”, giving them the reassurance. She believed in God and was Baptist.
She was a fun loving, playful and laid back woman who was passionate about her family. In her free time, she liked to listen to Country music, crochet, watch tv and grow beautiful flowers in her many flower beds. Above all, spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids was her favorite past time.

There are no words to describe all that she meant to her family and they will cherish all the memories made with her. They know that she is completely healed and that they will see her again someday. She will be missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Martin, Nettleton, and Peggie Norris; grandchildren, Jason Martin, Angela Johnson (Donnie), Penny Estes (Jimmy, Susan Hendrix (Jeff), Janice Neal (Johnny), James Gray, and David Gray; great-grandchildren, Desirae Martin, Lydia Martin, Ethan Johnson, Casper Newcomb, and Brook Corona; nieces and nephews, Thomas “Buster” Gray, Thomas “Peanut” Gray, Danny Brookman, and Robin Brookman.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband and best friend, Bill Gray; son, Billy Gray; daughter, Betty Gray; brothers, James Brookman, Lee Brookman, and Tyron Brookman; sisters, Carine Posey and Sandra Brookman; and grandson, Joseph Martin.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, January 16, 2023, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home in Amory, MS with Reverend James Archambeault officiating. Burial will follow in Wiygul Cemetery, in the Carolina Community. Pallbearers will be Jason Martin, Brandon Mack, Thomas “Buster” Gray, Thomas “Peanut” Gray, Jonathan Armstrong, and John Rodgers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ethan Johnson and Susan Hendrix.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday evening, January 15, 2023 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the funeral home in Amory.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com