Elizabeth Gray

Another angel has received her wings. On July 29, 2025, after a brief illness, Elizabeth Gray peacefully transitioned to meet her Heavenly Father. Born on October 18, 1935, in Holden Hospital, Logan, West Virginia, Elizabeth was the beloved daughter of the late Napoleon and Golden Burris of Whitman, West Virginia.

Elizabeth called many places home throughout her life, including Lusby, Maryland and Ethel, West Virginia. She graduated from Aracoma High School and began her journey through life with strength and grace. Her first marriage to Charles Boatwright brought forth six beautiful children. Later, she found love again with Roosevelt Gray, and they were blessed with two more children.

Elizabeth initially pursued her dream of becoming a nurse but soon discovered her true calling was in retail, where she devoted many years until retiring. Her heart, however, belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ. A faithful servant, she joyfully sang in the choir, served as an usher, and embraced her role in the Kitchen Ministry of the Missionary Baptist Church of Holden, West Virginia, under Pastor Rev. Dillard, who held a special place in her heart.

Her warm, loving spirit extended beyond church walls. Elizabeth shared a special bond with her best friend Ms. Christine Maynus, speaking several times a week and always ending their chats with “I love you.” Her love for her children was unwavering—steadfast and unconditional. No matter the circumstances, Elizabeth stood by them with a mother’s enduring love.

Elizabeth had an adventurous soul and a passion for travel. She adored collecting jewelry and keychains as keepsakes from her journeys. She treasured church trips and family getaways, cruising to Alaska, Belize, and Cozumel, New Mexico. One of her most cherished adventures was in Costa Rica, where she stayed in a hut and woke each morning to tropical birds and howler monkeys—an experience she fondly recalled with laughter and joy.

Her life was rich, full, and deeply rooted in love. She was the proud matriarch of a family that spans generations: beloved by sisters, brothers, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren—and yes—a great-great grandchildren. Her radiant smile, infectious laughter, and quick wit will be dearly missed.

Though she has departed this earthly realm, her greatest wish is for each of us to hold her memory close, to continue loving one another, and to carry her legacy forward until we meet again in that heavenly place.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by: Her parents: Napoleon and Golden Burris Husbands: Charles Boatwright and Roosevelt Gray. Sisters: Teresa and Bernice Burris, Pauline Sheffield. Brothers: Ernest (“June Bug”), Ernest Tyrone, and Napoleon Burris Jr.. Daughter: Charlene Denise Boatwright. Grandchildren: Edward Anthony Alexander and Mark Allen Sidney. She leaves to cherish her memory: Sisters: Ernestine Henley, Faquira Ali, Sandra Hubbard, Anna Davis. Brothers: Ronald and Donald Burris Children: Debra (Ronald) Hawkins, Emil Boatwright, Susie Gray, Doreen Brown, Mark Allen Boatwright, Charles Boatwright Jr. (Sharon), Johnny Roosevelt Gray (Lisa). 17 Grandchildren, 35 Great-Grandchildren, and 23 Great-Great-Grandchildren, Along with a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, and Technicians of Calvert Health Hospital, Calvert Health Hospice, and Calvert County Nursing Center for their care and compassion. A special thank-you to family members, friends, pastors, and church communities whose love and prayers carried us through our time of loss. May God continue to bless and keep each of you. With peace and love, The Family of Elizabeth Gray.

Celebration of life will be held Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm at Free Worship Ministries International in Lexington Park, MD.

A visitation will be held Monday, August 11, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at The Original Glorious Church of God in Christ in Whitman, WV.

Burial will take place at 12:00 to 12:30 pm Monday, August 11, 2025, at Highland Memory Gardens in Chapmanville, WV.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of RMT Funeral Home, PA. and Collins Funeral Home, Inc. of Switzer, WV.