Mary Elouise Abram was born on March 6, 1927, to Palmer and Clara (Johnson) Abram. Mary grew up in Orange, TX, where she attended Moten High School.
After graduating, Mary was united in marriage to Vernon Gray Sr., and they had five beautiful children: Gloria Jean, Vernon Jr., Bonnie, John Henry, and Willie Michael
Mary, affectionately known as “Momma Putt,” was a devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. Her home was always open to all, and she never met a stranger. Momma Putt is well known for her meals. Everyone knew they were welcome to eat and be full. The Lord blessed her to be able to feed and nurture many people. She always wore a smile, shared kind words, and she would often give words of wisdom. In everything she said, there was a lesson to be learned. Momma Putt loved her family and dedicated her life to nourishing and enriching the ones that she loved. She also loved music and liked Zydeco.
Mary worked for many years serving in different capacities. She worked at Howard’s Superette, Breedlove’s Convenient Store, and Levingston Shipyard, to name a few. She was also a domestic cleaner, servicing families such as the Mazzola’s and Dr. Ingram. Her last job was private duty sitting at Pine Grove Nursing Home in Orange, TX.
Mary was a long-time member of St. Therese Catholic church where she worked diligently. She was an usher, she cooked in the kitchen, and she participated in the church bazaars. She was a member of the St. Joseph’s Auxiliary, and she was also a member of The Ladies Altar Society.
Mary Elouise Abram-Gray was preceded in death by her parents, Palmar and Clara Abram; her sister, Geraldine; her brother, Louis; her sons: Vernon Jr. (Yvonne), John Henry (Sandra), and Willie Michael (Betty Jean); her granddaughters: Quintella Hannon and Michelle Blanchard.
Mary leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Alfred (Lauretta) Abram; her daughters: Gloria Jean (Percy), Bonnie (Wyland); her many grandchildren; her godsons: Michael Beasley and Derrick Edwards, and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
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