This is a Message Board Post. Reply to the message or author by clicking on the link below. *************************************************************************** MESSAGE: (#223319) Margaret Jane Gray <http://iagenweb.org/boards/louisa/obituaries/index.cgi?rev=223319> AUTHOR: David L. Skipto DATE: 2/25/2009 at 10:53:29 Surnames: GRAY,GUNTER,DAWDY,PIERCE,PIERCY,BEST,CALVERT Mrs. Margaret Jane Gray, age 92, died August 6, 1950, at Evergreen farm near Columbus Junction, Iowa. Mrs Gray was born near Centerville, Iowa, on November 21, 1857, the daughter of Alfred R. and Mary E. (Gunter) Dawdy. Her earlier years were spent in Illinois, coming to Louisa County with her parents in 1875, where she taught school for several years. On November 22, 1877, she was united in marriage to James Edward Gray. They set up housekeeping at Evergreen Farms, where she resided until her death. At the age of 16, Mrs. Gray united in membership with the Christian Church. She was of the sturdy pioneer stock that settled this state and country and she was true to the courage and high ideals that caused them to lay excellent foundations for the generations to come. Her interests were wide and she maintained a strong hold on life until the very last. Because of the many interests that held her attention and the duties to which she was devoted, it can be well said of her that she was not yet ready to go. As a mother, she was very devoted to her home and family, and as a neighbor, she was beloved by everyone. The passing of Mrs. Gray leaves a great vacancy in her home, neighborhood and commnity. She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Edith Pierce of Evergreen Farm and five grandchildren: Mrs. Harold R. Piercy of Burlington, James G. Pierce of Des Moines, Robert E. Pierce of Columbus Junction, Mrs. S. Emerson Best of Berkeley, California, and Mrs, Jesse Rea Calvert II, of Grants Pass, Oregon. Also surviving are eight great-grandchildren. In addition to the above-named close relatives who will mourn her passing are two sisters-in-law, a number of nieces and nephews and a whole host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband who died in August, 1923, and one daughter, Ethel in infancy and one son, Chester Earl, who died September 19, 1944. Services for Mrs. Gray were held at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Edith Pierce, at Evergreen Farm, at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 8. The last rites were in charge of Rev. E.C. Sears, pastor of the Methodist Church. Mrs, Mildred Jones was pianist and Wendell Morgan soloist, sang "Nearer My God To Thee" and "Abide With Me." The floral tributes were vey profuse and beautiful and were in charge of Mrs. E.W. McWilliams, Mrs. Raymond Lewis and Mrs. Edgar Fortune. Casket bearers were: R.J. Peters, A.R. Wrede, J.D. Helmick, Stephen Hawkins, Walter Marsden and James L. Edwards. Interment was in the Columbus City Cemetery. Among those in attendance from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Toms and Mr. and Mrs. David Williams of Mr. Pleasant; Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Niccolls, Mr. and Mrs. Doyle Bozman, Richard and Roger, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Mewhirter, L.R. Pierce of Morning Sun; Mrs. Maude Evans, Winfield; H.B. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Guy Wiley, Mrs. A.W. Hinderman and Mary Jane of Wapello; Mr. and Mrs. F.G. McCullough of Muscatine; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Jennings and Jerry of Iowa City; Mr. and Mrs. James Pierce of Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Piercy and Jean of Burlington; and Mrs. Lucille Schofield of Lineville, Iowa.