Frances Simmons Gray

      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