Irene Gertrude Gray, 96, of Chatham County, went to her Heavenly home on Wednesday, May 6th, 2026, at her home surrounded by family.

Irene was born on February 24th, 1930, in Guilford County, to the late Emery and Bertha Skeen Gray. She is preceded in death by her parents, Emery and Bertha Gray; her husband, James L. Gray; and her sons, Thomas Gray and James R. Gray.

Irene worked as an LPN at Chatham Hospital until she retired. She was a member of Gideons and the Silk Hope Ladies Club. She was a faithful church member. In her spare time, she liked farming and canning, and gardening. She loved nursing and helping people. She also liked doing ceramics.

Left to cherish Irene’s memory are her daughter, Shirley Freeman and her husband, Bill of Siler City; her daughter-in-law, Charlene White of High Point; her brother, Roy L. Gray and his wife, Gloria Jean of Greensboro; her sister, Carolyn Frazier and her husband, Dale of Randleman; her grandchildren, Travis and his wife, Christine of Trinity, Amanda and her husband, Mike of Thomasville, and Drew and his wife, Kristen of Franklinville; her great grandchildren, Savannah, Josh, Chandler, Callen, Sutton, Kinley, and Abel; and her great great grandchildren, Aria, Adalie, and Anakin.

A funeral service will be held Monday, May 11th, 2026, at 12:30 pm, at Faith Baptist Church in Siler City. A visitation will be held at 11 am to 12:30 pm prior to the service. Burial will follow at Westminster Gardens in Greensboro at 2:30 pm. Services will be officiated by Reverend Bobby Shutt and Reverend Jay O’Dell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The Gideons at https://gideons.org/donate in Irene’s name, or to Faith Baptist Church, 303 Hillbrook Blvd, Siler City, NC 27344.

Smith & Buckner Funeral Home will be assisting the Gray family.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithbucknerfh.com