Mary Handley

Mary R. Gray Handley was born to the late Jim Whitt and Christine Spencer on November 26, 1922.  She confessed Christ at an early age and remained on the battlefield for the Lord until her transition.  Mary was joined in Holy Matrimony to the late Elbert Gray.  To this union eight children were born.   The bible says work while its day for when night comes no man can work.  Mary truly fulfilled this mi.  She was a hard worker retiring from Bessemer Carraway in 1985. A loving and nurturing mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and loyal friend.   She was a fighter until the very end, out living the 70 and even 80 years Christ promised us.  As a member of the Order of the Eastern Star she was a dedicated women who sincerely reflected the spirit of love and the desire to work as a part of this organization. She lived a life of a wise woman building legacies to be seen and manifested through the seeds of her family.   Mary was preceded in death by one son Elbert Gray Jr. and one daughter Debra J. McCormick.  She leaves to cherish her memories: five devoted daughters and one devoted son Laura Elmore, Annie Ruth Chandler (Freeman), Bertha Johnson, Malinda Weatherspoon, Jimmy Gray and special heartfelt thanks to Cynthia Clark (daughter/caregiver and Rico Clark – grandson) for their undying loyalty and devoted service. 31 Grands, 102 Great- grands, and 26 Great-great grands.