Brooke Jennifer Gray, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and cherished friend, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the age of 57. A longtime resident of Elgin, Texas. Jennifer’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and devotion to her family and friends.
Born on December 9, 1966, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, at the Idaho Falls LDS Hospital, Jennifer entered the world with her signature curly brown hair and the charm that would define her throughout life. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and always showed kindness, caring deeply for others in everything she did.
From a young age, she radiated joy and talent, taking naturally to dance. By the age of seven, she had already begun ballet, gracefully progressing to pointe shoes, and excelling in tap and jazz dance as well. Jennifer's talent wasn’t limited to the stage—she also won trophies in bowling competitions, showcasing her determination and spirit early on.
Jennifer’s creativity extended beyond dancing. She took baton lessons, proudly marching in the Portland, Oregon Jr. Rose Parade numerous times, and earning ribbons in baton competitions. Her love for performing carried into her youth church productions, many of which were choreographed by her mother.
In 1983, Jennifer moved with her mom and dad to Canby, Oregon, where she graduated from Canby High School in 1985. Shortly after, she earned a scholarship to the Modeling Academy in Portland, Oregon, but her heart found a new direction when she met Larry Gray—the love of her life. They built a beautiful life together, celebrating 36 years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and good times.
Jennifer and Larry raised three daughters, first in Salem, Oregon, and later in Elgin, TX, where they moved in 2013 and continued to create lasting memories. Family was everything to Jennifer, and her greatest joy came from being a mother and grandmother. Her grandchildren, Jozzlynn and Ezra, were the absolute lights of her life, she relished every moment spent with them.
Jennifer was the heart of her family. She loved to take her kids on adventures—camping, boating on Lake Shasta, racing cars with Larry at the drag strip. Or enjoying simple pleasures like Slurpees after a fun day at the aquarium with her grandkids. Whether she was singing country songs with her daughters, reading books or watching movies with Ezra, or just listening to Jozzlynn talk about her day, Jennifer cherished every moment she spent with her family.
Jozzlynn, her granddaughter, shares: “Grandma was my biggest cheerleader. She always listened to me talk about my day and never got tired of hearing me share about the things I loved. We would ride horses together, and she made me feel like I could do anything. She would always tell me how much she loved my animations and that meant the world to me. I’ll always remember her hugs, her words of encouragement, and how she made me feel like the most important person in the world.”
Her love for others extended far beyond her immediate family. Jennifer was known for her kindness and generosity, always ready to help a friend or lend a listening ear. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dogs, and found joy in the small things, like curling up with a good book or making someone’s day just a little brighter.
Jennifer’s life was a beautiful blend of strength, grace, and love. Her vibrant spirit will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Jennifer’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
She is survived by her loving husband, Larry Gray; her three daughters, Kimberly Wertz, Courtney Grimes and son-in-law Tye Grimes, and Stacy Gray; her cherished grandchildren, Jozzlynn and Ezra; her mother, Marilyn Bart of Canby, Oregon and her two sisters, Vickie Schloe of Redmond, Oregon, and Brenda Kimble of Canby, Oregon. Jennifer was preceded in death by her father, Mack Jordan Bart, and her brother, Bradley Jordan Bart.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home in Elgin, Texas.
Saturday, October 19, 2024
Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)
Providence-Jones Family Funeral Home Chapel
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