Lydia Ann Gray

A Graceful Life Lived

Lydia Ann Brown was born on April 12, 1950, in Bernalillo, New Mexico to Lennie A. (DeLyle) Brown and Leonidas A. Brown. As the eldest among five siblings, Lydia naturally assumed the role of the assertive older sister to her brothers and that is what they remember most about her. This role was not just a familial duty but a testament to Lydia’s innate qualities of leadership and guidance.

 In 1953 the family relocated to Utah where Lydia completed her entire formal education within the Utah Public School system, culminating in her graduation from Bonneville High School. Continuing her academic journey, Lydia pursued a master’s degree in education at the University of Utah. It was during this time that fate intervened, and introduced her to Joe W. Gray, the love of her life. Their union blossomed, leading to their exchange of vows in 1970. The following year brought the joyful arrival of their son, Jerome A. Gray. 

Lydia went on to continue her education, completing her Doctorate in Education, thus earning her the esteemed title of Dr. Lydia Gray.

Lydia cultivated a home filled with warmth and love. Beyond the family, her impact extended to the community, where she generously dedicated her time to educating the youth. She spent much of her professional career at Tollgate Elementary School in Aurora, CO. Lydia developed close connections with numerous teachers and staff members at Tollgate, cultivating friendships that held deep significance to her.

Understanding the importance of literacy, she always tried to impart a love of reading to all the children she worked with. Lydia found immense joy and pride in her role as an educator, a passion she carried until her well-deserved retirement. Lydia’s impact on the children she worked with over the years can’t be measured but certainly is far reaching.

Lydia had a passion for exploration and relished the opportunity to travel extensively.  She delighted in vacationing whenever possible. Her best friend Helena would often join in on these adventures. Her son fondly recalls the many places they traveled together; he especially loved their trip to Hawaii.  Both Jerome and Joe recall with great fondness the family camping and fishing trips they would take.  Lydia also enjoyed playing slots, frequently expressing her enthusiasm about the dream of moving to Las Vegas, a city she often went to with Joe to visit lifelong friends.

Lydia loved to dance and go out to eat, and if margaritas were involved, that would make it all the better. She loved to read; Steven King was her favorite author. Lydia could strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere.  Her friendly nature drew her to various groups of people. 

Lydia found great joy in the company of her closest confidantes. Her cherished companions included her best friend Helena, along with friends Marilyn, Faye, Emma and “the girls” Barbara, Vlinda, and Laura. Individually or together, they shared countless moments of laughter and camaraderie, often gathering for lunches, movie outings (scary movies was her genre of choice), and a myriad of other enjoyable activities. Lydia also found delight in her "cousin group" phone calls with Lean'tin, Wanda, and Avis.

Lydia possessed a soft spoken, gentle and mild-mannered demeanor, yet she drove a bold red Cadillac that reflected her inner strength. Maintaining a well-groomed appearance was important to her, evident in her regular visits to the beauty salon for hairstyling appointments and her collection of clothes and jewelry. She was always “put together”, complete from head to toe and walked with an air of dignity and grace.

Lydia peacefully transitioned from her earthly body on January 21, 2024, at home. She was preceded in death by her mother Lennie Brown, her father Leonidas Brown, and her brother Raymond Brown. Left to cherish her memory and mourn her loss are her husband Joe Gray and son Jerome (Aurea) Gray, all of Denver, CO, brothers, Leon Brown, Robert (Pauletta) Brown, Roland (Emma) Brown, all of Ogden, Utah, and a host of family, friends and loved ones.