Our beautiful Mother was known for her flamboyant style, hard work ethic, yummy down-home cooking with the occasional exotic dish, and living life to the fullest. She was always ready to experience new adventures with family and friends, enjoying the journey there as well as the visit! Reba O'liene Gray, 81 years of age, residing for the last five years in Michigan, quietly and peacefully passed on for all eternity into the arms of her Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the presence of God Almighty.
She suffered from Alzheimer's Disease, which not only took her mind, many years ago, but eventually her body, as well, on February 20, , at AM. She always recounted adventures she had with her best friends, LaRue, Sylvia, and Jackie. Reba went on to get her bachelor's degree at Baylor University, and her master's degree from Angelo State University, years later.
Reba loved being a teacher and a tutor. Her favorite was teaching middle school students, especially 7th graders. She often said they still had a curiosity for learning and were fun to teach. Reba often taught math, computer science, English, and science. As an English teacher, she loved teaching through plays, books, and movies and often took her students on field trips. She enjoyed being involved in the local civic theatre wherever she lived.
A few of her favorite sayings were, "ain't, ain't a word", and "can't never could". Reba was never one to sit still for long. Besides working full-time jobs, over the years, she would sell Avon, Mary Kay, Tupperware, and Amway. She was always cooking something to take to a church gathering or someone needing a meal.
For many family Thanksgiving dinners, she would bring someone who didn't have a place to go. Whenever anyone needed a helping hand, she was there to pitch in, whether it be gardening, moving or cleaning, she never shied away from hard work. Ever active, Reba enjoyed sports and being outdoors. She was a competitive skeet shooter, played volleyball and was on the swim team in high school and college.
