La Grange-Annette Lancaster Gray, 87, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. Annette was born in Lenoir County to the late Alpha and Ashley Lancaster on December 17, 1935. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Farris Gray, Jr.

A lifelong member of White Oak Grove OFWB Church, Annette was faithful in her service to the Lord and His church through participation in the choir, Ladies Auxiliary, and Bible Study. She attended church and Sunday School every Sunday, instilling in her family deep Christian values.

Annette firmly believed in a well-kept yard and home. Alongside her friend, Jessie Mae Collie, they maintained each with perfection. Under their care, her home was always immaculate and her flowers seemed to always be in full bloom.

After a 30-year career with Caswell Center, Annette retired as the Division 1 Supervisor. She continued service to her community as a volunteer with Lenoir Memorial Hospital for twelve years. During this time, she chaired the Lights of Love committee and served as a critical care waiting room greeter.

In May 2022, Annette retired to Magnolia Cottage in Dover where she was lovingly welcomed and cared for by all. JoAnn, Lidia, Serena, and Gina were her special angels. Hazel, Helen, Grace, Dorothy, and Mildred were her sweet and caring friends.

Life for Annette was deeply rooted in care and concern for her family. Spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was an ultimate joy. Known as “Mama Nett” to the grandchildren, she looked forward to every opportunity to be with them.

A service of love and remembrance will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at White Oak Grove OFWB Church. Committal will follow the service at Fairview Cemetery, La Grange. The family will receive friends following the committal.

Annette is survived by her children, Danny Gray (Melesa), Lynn Gray Everett (Roy), Donald Gray (Judy), and Luanne Scott (Eddie); grandchildren, Ashley Gray (Rachel), Lindsey Walkoviak (Randle), Keely Gray, Stephanie Hardy (John), Leigh Ann Remke (Josh), Les Gray (Melissa), Farris Gray (Joey), Alanna Barwick (Eric), Jessica Harrison, Taylor Scott, and Cole Ferguson; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, George Lancaster (Brenda); and sister-in-law, Grace Dawson.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to White Oak Grove OFWB Church, c/o Janet Brown, 1794 Jenny Lind Road, La Grange, NC 28551; or to the Lenoir Hospital Foundation Lights of Love, 100 Airport Road, Kinston, NC 28501. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.