Willimay E. Gray

Willimay E. (Gist) Gray, 88, of South Bend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday morning, November 20, 2015.

Willimay was born December 7, 1926 in South Bend, daughter of the late Willie and Dillie (Whisenhunt) Gist. She grew up in South Bend, Niles and Mishawaka and was a 1944 graduate of Mishawaka High School.

On June 26, 1948, Willimay married Thomas R. Gray. Following their marriage they lived in South Bend and moved to Mishawaka in 1955. They returned to South Bend in 2004.

Willimay was employed as a legal secretary for 31 years at Bingham - Loughlin - Means Law Office in Mishawaka. She was a member of the Cathedral of St. Matthew in South Bend and former member of St. Joseph Parish in Mishawaka. Willlimay belonged to the local chapter of the American Business Woman’s Association where at one time was named Secretary of the Year. She enjoyed bowling, camping, archery, trap shooting, flower gardening and sewing. She was an avid Notre Dame fan.

Willimay’s surviving family includes her five children, Barbara L. Cutter of Elkhart, Michael E. (Diane) Gray of Wisconsin, Linda A. Gray of South Bend, Rebecca M. Gray of South Bend and Paul E. (Martha) Gray of Missouri; ten grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

Willimay was preceded in death by her husband, Tom on December 27, 2009; and also by her sister, Dolores (John) Sherbun.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, November 24, at 11:00 am in the Cathedral of St. Matthew, 1701 Miami Street, South Bend, with Rev. Christopher Lapp officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Osceola.

Friends may spend time with Willimay’s family Monday, November 23, from 4 - 7 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary will be prayed at 6:30 pm.

Memorial contributions in memory of Willimay are suggested to the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Assistance with memorials is available through the funeral home.