Theresa Gray

Theresa Gray, daughter of the late Frank Sr. and Willie Mae Reynolds Bearden, was born February 16, 1948, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She was one of eleven children. Her formal education began at St. Peter’s Catholic School and St. Raphael. After graduating from Merrill High School in 1966 Theresa moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

In Milwaukee, Theresa met her soulmate Robert E. Gray, and they married on June 27, 1970. She attended and graduated from American Beauty School in 1976. She entered into her professional career as a Hair Stylist and worked at many salons, including The Marc Plaza Beauty Salon, Center Stage Salon, Marshall Field’s Beauty Salon and Salon 2100. Theresa was a Stylist for over 40 years and believed that when you work a job that you love it will never truly be work. She moved to Houston with her daughter Yolanda in March 2019.

Theresa answered God’s call on Tuesday August 16, 2022. She was preceded in death by her soul mate Robert E. Gray, daughter Robyn Gray, parents Frank Sr. and Willie Mae Bearden, brothers Lawrence and Frank Bearden Jr., and sister Sharon L. Bearden.

Theresa leaves to cherish her memories her daughters Yolanda (Anthony) Husband of Houston, Texas and Dawn R. Gray of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jena Gray of Madison, Wisconsin, and son Derrick Gray of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Theresa cherished and loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren and embraced the name Granny. She was known as a respected Granny by many including her 7 grandchildren, Kristoffer, Malkolm, Katiana, Mykol, Chamique, Keontae and Makayla and 6 great grandchildren, Eryn. Erielle, Eriana, Ke’Valya, Rhys and Maple Davis. Theresa also leaves her cherished memories with siblings Shirley (Booker) Lambouths and Eric (Shirley) Bearden of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Curtis (Velma) Bearden, Kenneth (Brenda) Bearden and Felicia Bearden of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Gwendolyn (Christopher) Redwood of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Christopher (Charmaine) Bearden of Tulsa, Oklahoma, along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Theresa was a loving big Sister, an amazing Aunt, the best Granny, and the GREATEST MOTHER anyone could ever be blessed with. Her memories will forever be shared and cherished.

Visitation will be held for Theresa on Monday, August 29, 2022, from 10:00am until the time of funeral service at 12:00 Noon, all at Jelacic Funeral Home, Inc., 5639 West Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218. Burial to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  

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