Nancy Theresa Gray

Nancy Theresa Gray, 62, of Traverse City, passed away at home after an unexpected heart event on January 12, 2026. She’d been feeling great and had enjoyed a good, peaceful day that included a walk with her child, Basil, a family dinner, and game playing. Nancy was born on August 14, 1963, at Kincheloe Air Force Base in the Upper Peninsula of MI to the late Basil and Marilyn (Groleau) Gray. As the daughter of an Air Force serviceman, Nancy spent her early years living in France, England, Texas, and North Dakota. At the age of nine, her family settled in the Traverse City area, which would remain home to her heart. Nancy graduated from Traverse City High School in 1981. She earned an associate’s degree from Northwestern MI College (NMC), a bachelor’s degree via a full scholarship to the University of Michigan, and a master’s degree in literature from Middlebury College in Vermont. Following her education, Nancy moved to San Francisco and later to Santa Fe, NM. Her struggle to build her resume as a teacher included a lot of time spent waiting tables and working at temporary, grant-based teaching programs. It had always been her dream to return to Traverse City and teach at NMC. After gaining experience through holding a full-time position at Santa Fe Community College as an English instructor, she finally applied for, and was offered, a position at NMC, where she went on to serve for over 15 years. Nancy taught Introductory and Developmental English classes that started many people on a path of education that they could not have imagined for themselves. Her legacy lives on in the academic success of her students and in the pleasure that they derived from learning and growing their own potential. Nancy’s excellence as an educator was widely recognized, and included receiving the NI-SOD Award for Teaching Excellence. In 2022-2023, Nancy took a sabbatical year to research neurodiversity support services that were being provided by other colleges and universities across the nation. Ultimately, she recommended programming within a center at NMC that was actualized in 2024 with the opening of the Neurodiversity Support Center, the first such center at a Michigan community college. With the full support of the college administration, Nancy established the center and was central in its continued evolution and its development right up until her death. Nancy was a talented vocalist. Along with her sisters, she shared a love of music and creativity. She performed in many musical ensembles, including the band Aunt Claire, and in an a capella group in San Francisco. Nancy also enjoyed collage, journaling, sewing, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. Above all else, she treasured time with her child, Basil. Taking walks, listening to music, going on adventures, and sharing all the things Basil loved as well. She is survived by her husband Charles (Chuck) Michael; child Basil, sisters Susan Ritchie, Sharon Gray, and Carolyn Gray; nephews Ben and John; niece Bethany; great-niece and great-nephew, Frankie and Ruby, and many other loving family members and friends. Visitation will take place in Traverse City on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Milliken Auditorium, followed by her Memorial service at 11:00 am at Milliken Auditorium. Memorial Contributions in Nancy’s memory may be directed to the Neurodiversity Support Center at NMC, nmc.edu/give. A special dropdown has been created under the NMC Give Page for the Neurodiversity Support Center in Nancy's Honor.

Nancy Theresa Gray

August 14, 1963 - January 12, 2026