Sharon Gray Obituary

Sharon Deniese Gray, age 76, of Norman, passed away on September 8, 2023. She was born April 11, 1947, in Hereford, Texas, to the late Dale and Grace Tinnin. She grew up in Hereford, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Ron Gray. They were married at the First United Methodist Church of Hereford, on August 26, 1967. In 1976, they moved to Oklahoma City from Lubbock, Texas, and later settled in Norman, Oklahoma. Sharon received her Bachelors Degree and her Masters Degree in Reading from the University of Central Oklahoma. For over 25 years, she taught in both Moore and Western Heights Public Schools, teaching Kindergarten through 4th grade and retiring in the spring of 2005. Sharon was named teacher of the year multiple times throughout her career. She was a dedicated public school educator and was loved by her hundreds of students and her fellow educators. Sharon was a member of New Life United Methodist Church in Moore and later, St. Stephen's United Methodist Church in Norman. After her retirement from teaching, she served as the Director of Care Ministries at St. Stephen's for over a decade. Sharon was a dedicated servant and was loved and respected by everyone she had the opportunity to serve. She had friends everywhere she went, as she was warm and welcoming to all people in all walks of life. Sharon was an avid reader, reading religious studies and fiction books. She also enjoyed her canine companion, Raider. Raider was named after the Texas Tech mascot, as she was a loyal Red Raider fan. Her favorite times were those spent with her family and friends, especially her granddaughter, Addye Grayce. The love of her life was Ron. They grew up together, living on the same street, Star Street, in Hereford, Texas and attended the same church and schools. Ron and Sharon loved singing and dancing together. Their relationship was a perfect example of true, long lasting love. Ron and Sharon served as almost surrogate parents to so many and for many of Tracy's friends growing up. Sharon is fondly remembered by them for her witty comebacks, patience, and sense of humor and wise advice to all. A caring, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all, she will be deeply missed. Sharon is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Ronald Norman Gray; her daughter and son-in-law, Tracy Paige and Todd Skinner; her granddaughter, Addye Grayce Skinner; sister-in-law, Norma Grace Smith; and nieces and nephews, Kristi Cabbiness, Cory Springer, Charleine Neill, Colby Springer, John Smith, Judith Polansky and Jill Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Daleine Springer; and nephew, Jolby Springer. Memorial contributions may be made in memory Sharon to St. Stephen's United Methodist Church Children's Ministry Fund.