Constance Joann (Byrum) Gray
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On Friday, April 30, 2021, Connie Gray ’76, loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away in Fort Myers, Florida, at age 75.
Connie was born on December 26, 1945, in Anderson, Indiana, to parents Millard Webster Byrum and Mary Rachel Burgan Byrum. She was the youngest of three, and she and her siblings, Shirley and Jim, spent a few years in Florida until the family relocated back to Anderson.
She married Larry D. Gray on November 22, 1962. They were married for more than 58 years and lovingly raised three children, Donna, Darrin, and James.
Connie was bright and curious, always eager to learn. She graduated from Madison Heights High School in 1963 and from Anderson College (University) with a degree in nursing. Connie held several jobs as a registered nurse, but many remember her from Dr. John D. Jones’ Office of Ophthalmology. She was his office and surgical nurse for more than 20 years. Later she became an online pioneer when she owned and operated AntiqueKitchen.com, an eBay and Amazon online business, where she enjoyed buying, selling, and shipping all around the world. She permanently retired in 2016 and she and Larry started spending the winters in Florida.
All who knew Connie knew that she couldn’t sit still for long. So even after retiring, she kept busy with caring for grandchildren, and she enjoyed singing and playing the piano, writing, traveling with her husband, working jigsaw puzzles, playing card games, and reading books. Her favorite activity was spending time with those she loved, including having meals with friends, hosting family gatherings, and supporting all seven grandkids at sporting events or recitals. Connie was a longtime active member of South Meridian Church of God, where she served on several committees and boards, was a gifted Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Millard Webster Byrum (1914-2000) and Mary Rachel Burgan Byrum (1919-2016), both from Anderson. Connie is survived by many who loved her, including her husband, Larry D. Gray; her daughter, Donna Gray (Jim) Thurston; their children, Rebekah and Tyler; son, Darrin (Leslie Tinsley) Gray; their children, Evan, Shelby, and Zachary; and son, James (Kirsten Bracht) Gray; their children, Benjamin and Meredith; sister, Shirley Holloway; and brother, James “Jim” Byrum.
Anderson University educates students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 50 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 18 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult, graduate, and online programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized for excellence in business, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, music, nursing, psychology, and teacher education programs. Established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God, the university remains committed to its Christ-centered mission.