Obituary of Mildred Sevada Gray

Mildred (Keeys) Gray, 89, of Niles, passed away at her home with her family surrounding her on Thursday, June 20, 2019.

Mildred was born to the late John and Pauline (Robbins) Keeys on December 28, 1929 in Sunflower, Mississippi.

On May 30, 1951, Mildred married Robert Gray. The two started their family with the birth of Severia. From that point on, Mildred was always nurturing her daughter, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. Although she had a small family, it grew to be a large family in future generations, and Mildred cared for all of her grandkids.

Mildred could frequently be found dancing. She loved music, and would always dance along. She was a woman of faith, actively involved at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she served others on the kitchen committee by making fried chicken. She was a people person, and she gave nicknames to everyone she knew. Mildred would buy a new dress seemingly every week, and she loved to look nice. This led to her father calling her “Doll” because she was always “Dolled up.”

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Robert Gray; three grandchildren; a son-in-law; 8 brothers; Erskine Keeys, Central Keeys, Denver Keeys, Verties Keeys, Theora Keeys, Willie Keeys, Johnny Keeys, and Az Alfonso Keeys; sisters Pauline Keeys and Nevada Morgan; and long-time companion, James Caldwell, who lovingly called her “Tweety.”

Mildred is survived by her daughter, Severia Gray of Niles; grandchildren, Crystal Gray of Niles, Sevada Palmore of Niles, and Thurman Palmore of Niles; special nieces and nephew, Sandra (Richard) Nelson of Niles, Frances Jones of Niles, and Arthur Morgan of Niles; her brother, Garnett Keeys of South Bend; her play-daughter, Gloria Spain of Niles; and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and family members.

Homegoing services for Mildred Gray will be held on Friday, June 28, 2019 at 12:00 p.m. at Mount Calvary Baptist Church with visitation beginning one hour prior.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Mildred’s honor may do so to the family by following the link to https://fundthefuneral.com/mildred-gray.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Niles.