With a heart as big as her family tree, Mary Alice Watson Gray, born on March 16, 1947, at Homer G. Phillips hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, has taken her final bow at the age of 77. Mary, the twelfth of fifteen children in the blended union between David Watson and Lucy Bould, was a vibrant social butterfly who was the heart of every gathering and the soul of every party. She was naturally drawn to people and the hustle and bustle of life.

From her early days at Gundlach Elementary to her graduation from Vashon High School in 1966, Mary was known for her infectious laughter and a knack for finding herself in the middle of mischief alongside her childhood pals, her cousin Marietta Claypool, friends; Cynthia Chatman, Eva Jones, Gwen Hall and Ernest Dampier. Her first love, Charlie Henderson, captured her heart at the tender age of 12, and their bond remained a cherished thread throughout her life.

In a twist of fate worthy of a romantic comedy, Mary met her husband, Louis Douglas Gray, through her brother Henry when they were re-assigned from Swineford Army base in Schweinfurt, Bavaria, Germany to Fort Riley Kansas. Their whirlwind romance culminated in a wedding on August 18, 1969. Though Louis passed away shortly after retiring from the military in 1973, Mary embraced her role as a loving stepmother to his three children—Yanon “Nonnie,” Ivette, and Labrell—who affectionately called her “Mom.” Although Mary had various suitors, she never re-married or had children of her own.

Family was the cornerstone of Mary's life! Her love for them was outmatched only by her love for all children. Mary was not just an aunt; she was the Aunt Mary to all kids—yes, all kids! She embraced her role as the fun-loving aunt and her home was a child's paradise filled with sweets where all the kids flocked to enjoy bomb pops, Cracker Jacks, and her famous Easter egg dyeing parties. Every Easter, Mary dyed eggs with the kids and created personalized Easter baskets for each child. That was partially because she, too, really loved candy and snacks! Some of her favorites were Mr. Goodbar, strawberry candy, gum drops, hot tamales and orange slices. You were guaranteed to find them in her golden candy jar nestled on her dresser alongside a box of Cracker Jack or Crunch ’n Munch and Salt and Vinegar potato chips.

Mary’s career was as colorful as her personality. From her days as a cashier at White Castle, where she forged a lifelong friendship with Norma Taylor, to her time at KATZ radio station, where she answered phones and amassed an impressive music collection, Mary was a people-person through and through. She spent over three decades at Burger King, working as an office manager with her brother-in-law, Charlie Fogg, where she was known for her organizational skills and her ability to keep the office running.

Mary gave generously of her time, money, and talents for the benefit of others. Mary was known for her annual cruises and all things fun! She had a flair for collecting—dolls, shoes, jewelry, and trinkets from her travels—and was a master baker, whipping up lasagna, collard greens, and the best peach cobbler! Mary also had various hobbies. She loved ceramics, needlepointing, quilting, shopping, watching movies, live concerts and playing cards with her family in East St. Louis. Almost as much as she loved family, Mary loved talking on the phone! She knew all the family business and the neighborhood business too. If there was gossip to be had, Mary was there! She was also a night owl who thrived in the company of others, always ready to share the latest family gossip or enjoy a good game of cards.

In her later years, Mary faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s with the same spirit she brought to life. Even as her memory faded, her love for family and friends remained steadfast. She passed away peacefully on October 28, 2024, holding hands with her niece, Danielle Fogg, and leaving behind a legacy of joy, laughter, and an unchangeable spirit.

Mary is survived by her siblings, Nellie Fogg (Charlie) of Florissant, MO and Henry David Watson of Sacramento, CA; beloved stepson Yanon “Nonnie” Gray of St. Louis, MO; her closest cousins, Marietta Claypool of Belleville, IL, and the family patriarch John “Bubba” Hamilton of Belleville, IL; bonus sisters, Secunda Lewis (Alvin) and Kim Pearson of St. Louis, MO; Charlie Henderson of St. Louis, MO; nieces and nephews Lisa Jordan (David) of New Orleans, LA, Danielle Fogg and Charlie Fogg Jr. of Florissant, MO, Carolyn Harris of St. Paul, MN, Deborah Gray, Doris White, Albert Gray and Marsha Bryant of St. Louis, MO; Great nieces and nephews Jeanelle Jordan, Selah Jordan and Charlee Fogg of St. Louis, MO, David Moses Jordan (Daesha) of San Antonio, TX, Allyson Gray of St. Louis, MO, Carolyn "Stink" Harris of St. Paul, MN; great-great nieces Paige Roland of St. Louis, MO, Daliah Jordan of San Antonio, TX; Godchildren; Tonya Hall (mom Gwen Hall and sister, Robbie Hall), Robert Howard of St. Louis, MO, Monya Troy of St. Louis, MO and Selund Smith of St. Paul, MN. The list of family and friends that she leaves behind is immeasurable! The family asks for grace for any inadvertent omissions.

As we celebrate Mary’s life, let us remember her laughter, her spicy personality, and her unwavering love for life. She may have left this world, but her legacy will forever be that of a woman who lived her life with the heart of a child, the courage of an explorer, and the soul of a guardian angel. Her impact on those who knew her will be everlasting, and her love and care will forever echo in the hearts of her family and friends. 

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