Sara Ann (Robinson) Gray

Sara Ann Robinson Gray passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, at the age of 84, surrounded by those who love her.  Sara represented the best among us, and her life was an example of Christlike love to all who knew her. 

Sara was born on July 28, 1940, in Deep Run, North Carolina, to Durwood Robinson and Annie Lee Freeman.  On May 1, 1954, Sara was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 14.  Her commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ would unite her family for eternity.

On July 3, 1959, Sara married David Lee Gray.  Their posterity would later go on to joke that they could not comprehend how David could have won over a beauty like Sara.  Joking aside, their marriage was built on love, faith, service, and laughter.  On March 14, 1975, Sara and David were sealed for time and all eternity in the Washington D.C. Temple.

Sara never shied away from hard work.  She helped her parents and husband farm and then later went on to work at Orkin, the county clerk’s office, and Caswell Developmental Center, from where she ultimately retired.  In addition to Sara’s professional pursuits, she enjoyed painting and crafting.  Likewise, she was a gifted pianist and organist, and she played the organ for her congregation for many years.

Sara’s countenance radiated Christ’s love and concern for those around her, which led to her serving in many capacities in the Church, including those of Young Women’s President, Relief Society President, Stake Primary President, and Family History Center Coordinator.   She was a woman of elegance, class, and refinement; yet, she was approachable and down to earth. Notwithstanding her commitment to service in the Church and the community, Sara’s priority was always in the home, where she exemplified the roles of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

While her husband pursued his collegiate coursework and worked full-time, she ministered to the needs of her young daughters, including making their clothes by hand while supervising what her girls watched on television. She later spent many happy hours tending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, almost all of whom she gave their first bath as babies.  Her cooking was legendary, and all of her posterity loved to gather as a family at her table, where her quick wit and humor often left everyone in laughter.

Sara is survived by her husband, David Gray; her daughter, Renee Manning, and husband, Dee; her daughter, Tammy Gray; her granddaughter, Heather Walston, and husband, Justin; her grandson, Will Gray, and wife, Jaymie; her grandson, Cameron Gray, and wife, Harley; her grandson, Colin Gray, and wife, Emma; and her great-grandchildren, Lydia, Ryder, and Colt Walston.  She is also survived by her brother, J.D. Robinson, and many special nieces, nephews, other cherished family members, and special friends, Carolyn Batten and Joan Thomas.

She has been joyfully reunited with her devoted parents, Durwood and Annie Lee Robinson; her precious sister, Gnell Harper; and her beloved grandson, Joshua Hardy.  Sara’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all of the special caregivers who helped to fill her final days with comfort and love.

A private burial will take place on Thursday, November 21, 2024. A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Woodington Ward. The family will be receiving visitors following the memorial service, also at the Woodington Ward. Flowers and condolences may be sent to Garner Funeral Home of Kinston.

Those who remain on the side of the veil are grateful beyond words to be sealed to Sara for time and all eternity. Her unmatched legacy of faith and love will live on forever in the heart of all those who knew and loved her.