Frances Simmons Gray passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, at home on
January 24, 2020.
Frances was born on March 2, 1930 to Rufus and Lucille Johnson Simmons. She was
preceded in death by her parents and brothers I.V., Malcom, Murray, Johnson, Robert, and
Thomas, and her husband, Don.
Frances graduated from North Georgia College and entered the Civil Service as secretary
to the Provost Marshal at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and later transferred to the Legal Section at Fort
Benning, Georgia. It was at Fort Benning that she met her husband, Major Donald E. Gray.
Frances and Don settled in Medford, Oregon and raised four children. For more than 50
years the Gray House was a special place where everyone felt at home: no need to knock, just a
holler of hello. Generations of people considered Frances a second mom, a cherished friend, and
she greeted all with a smile and an offer of a sandwich. Frances treasured her family and friends.
Frances worked several jobs over the years, but was probably best known for her time as
the bookkeeper at Farmers Market in Phoenix.
Frances is survived by her children, Shelley Gray of Seattle, Wendy and Darwin Stout of
Maple Valley, Washington, Donald Gray of Medford, and Vicki Gray and Bruce Mooneyham of
Medford. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Ryan and Lizz Rauch of Portland, Wendy and
Matthew Harmeston of Medford, Elliot and Kate Gray of Seattle, Stewart Gray of Bellingham,
Washington, Sam and Sydney Stout of Maple Valley, and 5 great-grandchildren. She is also
survived by nieces/nephews Pat Ray and Si Simmons of North Carolina, Sandra Yates, Adecia
Asbell, Lynn Simmons, Teresa Berry, Leitha Morris and Brooks Simmons of Georgia, Thomas
Simmons, and many cherished grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on March 14 at the Perl-Siskiyou Memorial
Chapel. Private interment of ashes will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:
Food & Friends of Jackson County Food & Friends / Meals on Wheels
Asante Hospice Hospice Care—Compassionate End-of-Life Care
Salvation Army
American Cancer Society
Any charity in your area that serves seniors and their families
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