Marsha Lee Gray, 78, of Austin, Texas received her crown and gained her wings on May 29, 2020. Marsha was born in Canton, Ohio, to Jack and Thelma McCowan on March 14, 1942. Marsha’s family moved to Austin, where she attended Austin High School. She then met a handsome US Navy “boxer”, by the name of Sam Thomas Gray. They married on February 14,1959 and they remained married until his departure from this earth, 39 years later. He was the love of her life, They started their family in Austin, and she became a mother to John Thomas “Tommy” Gray in 1961, and again to Shari Lynn Pape in 1963, and then to Cynthia Michelle Gordon in 1972. To describe Marsha as a devoted mother and wife would be an understatement. She tirelessly put herself before anyone else. She began her career working full time with the State of Texas, and then began working with the City of Austin, City Clerk’s/Mayor’s Office where she retired. Marsha had so many friends and coworkers throughout the years, that eventually became like family, to her. Her faith in the Lord, and gentle, Christ-like spirit was evident to everyone that met her. She had a gift within her soul, to make each person feel, as if they were the only person that mattered most. She was a “Mom” to so many others. She became a Grammy in 1991, to her first of seven grandchildren, of whom then, life revolved around. Of course, “Grammy” was also “Mi-Mi” . She was just far too grand for one name. She was born to be a Grandmother. Her home was “home-base”, and a safe haven for all. Everyone flocked there, and never wanted to leave. She “is” Christmas morning. She loved listening to music, tapping her hand on her leg and singing along, in hopes others were hearing the message of the song. She loved getting up early and going to garage sales to find “treasures”. She always had “two of everything”. Whatever you needed, no matter how ridiculous, she probably had two in her garage. And of course, she loved her Route 44 Cherry Cokes (easy ice, extra cherry) from Sonic. Alzheimer’s swooped in unannounced and devastated our family. We will never be able to fill her shoes or even come remotely close, but we hold on to the memories, the laughter, the wisdom that she left us with, in hopes that they will allow each of us to cope with this void that will forever be there. And we thank God for choosing her to be a part of our lives.
Marsha is survived by her two daughters, Shari and husband Dwain Pape of Buda, and Cynthia and fiancé Marcus of Austin, and daughter in law Connie Apodaca Gray of Garland. Her seven grandchildren, Larry “Kindle” Andrews, Shelby Lynn Pape, Brittany Michelle Pape, Maxwell Thomas Gray, Elyssia Selestino, Samuel Murphy Gray, Bryanna Noelle Guzman, as well as two great grandchildren Kyzaiah Michelle Andrews and Kaidence “Marshelle” Andrews. There are also two more great grandchildren “on the way”, a boy and a girl. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brothers, Jack McCowan and Kurt McCowan, and her son. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to the staff at Orchard Park of Kyle, for their years of loving care and patience.
At this time, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to be sent to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/donate
A memorial service will be planned a later date.
If you would like to receive text updates from the family regarding service details, please sign up on her obituary page at Harrell Funeral Home’s website. We encourage you to reach out and show your support to the family during this difficult time. Additional ways you can show you care; send flowers directly to the family, view a tribute video from the family, or share a memory in the tribute section
at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com
Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 ph: (512) 268-8200
