Wanda Lee Gray

Wanda Lee Gray of Traverse City, Michigan, age 87, went to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ on June 10, 2022, in the comfort of her home, with her daughters by her side. Wanda was born on August 7, 1934, to the late Clarence and Sylvia (Groesser) Crain. Wanda graduated from Traverse City High School in 1952. She worked at Cone Drive Gears and then the Traverse City State Bank, now known as Fifth Third Bank, until she retired. Wanda married Robert Gray on April 20, 1963. She was the step-mother to Wilmer Gray and Pamela Gray, and mother to Rita, Teresa, and Bonnie. Wanda grew up worshiping at Emmanuel United Methodist Church on 9th Street. She loved singing in a church trio and participating in the choir. She held strong to the Lord through every situation and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was known to be a kind, generous, and compassionate person. Every summer she looked forward to spending time at her cottage on Long Lake with all the family and friends she brought together to enjoy it with her. She loved her grandchildren and always enjoyed any chance she had to spend time with them. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob; daughter Teresa Whitmill; and her siblings Lester Crain, Leona Buck, Wava Ronk, and Donald Crain. She is survived by her daughters, Rita Cummer and Bonnie (Joseph) Merillat; grandchildren Heather, James (Samantha), Justin (Staphany), and Jacob (Ashley) Cummer, Kaelyn Merillat, Karin (Mikel) Nemec, Kevin Merillat, and Leanna and Kimberly Whitmill; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved members of the family. A funeral service will be celebrated by Pastor Tim Manzer at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at New Hope Community Church, 5100 Bethesda Court, Williamsburg, MI 49690. There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service. A continued time of fellowship and dessert reception will follow the service. Wanda will be laid to rest in Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to offer an expression of sympathy are encouraged to make a memorial contribution in Wanda's memory to the Christmas Benevolence Fund at New Hope Community Church.

Wanda Lee Gray

August 7, 1934 - June 10, 2022