Obituary for Addie Gray

Addie (Solomon) Gray of Westerville, Ohio passed from this life to her eternal reward on Sunday, October 20, 2019. She was born in Oakdale, Louisiana where she grew up with her seven sisters and two brothers. Addie later moved to Ohio where she met and married the love of her life, Donald (Don) Gray.

Addie held jobs at White Haines Optical and Harris Opticians prior to starting her family. Later in life she worked at Friendship Village and Westerville Schools.

All who knew Addie will always remember her sweet and giving nature. She is an outstanding example of a wonderful Catholic woman, wife, mother and grandmother. Addie served and volunteered in numerous capacities at St. Paul Catholic Church in Westerville where she was a member since 1976. She shared communion and fellowship with residents at assisted living centers, served as a Eucharistic minister, selflessly assisted in cleaning of church linens as well as other church facilities and supported Measure-Up, Meals on Wheels, Fish Fry’s and countless other church initiatives. Addie and Don together were awarded the St. Paul Knights of Columbus Family of the Year award on two occasions.

Addie was extremely active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She loved volunteering at their schools and was widely known at elementary and middle schools in Westerville and Lewis Center. During the 1980’s she gave many hours of her time to the Westerville South Band Boosters, handling numerous duties to support the band and color guard, including making flags and uniforms. Addie and Don traveled with the band on their many trips, making lifelong friends along the way.

Preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Selma Solomon, and siblings Lucille Michael, Evelyn Harris, Agnes Ray, Sam Solomon, Tom Solomon Jr, Mary Katherine Brady, Jackie Soileau, and Angele Barrett.

Survived by her husband of 58 years Donald Gray, sister Rosie Glenn of Boise, ID, daughter Kim Hayes, son Donnie (Pam) Gray, and grandchildren Daniel Hayes, Gaby Hayes and Foster Gray. In addition to this listed family, Addie gave the world a tremendous gift of love and life.

Friends may call 4 to 6 pm Friday, October 25, 2019 at HILL FUNERAL HOME followed by Rosary at 6 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Saturday at St Paul Catholic Church, 313 N. State St., Westerville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Addie Gray to WARM (Westerville Area Resource Ministry) at 150 Heatherdown Dr., Westerville, OH 43081.