Emily Louise Gray

Ms. Emily Louise Gray, 67, of Lilburn, GA passed on October 24, 2023. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023 1:00 PM at Gregory B. Levett and Sons Funeral Home, Gwinnett Chapel. 914 Scenic Highway, Lawrenceville, GA. The angels received her – Emily Louise Gray passed away peacefully from this life at 8:11am on October 24, 2023, in Duluth, GA. Born in Erie, Pennsylvania to Herbert William Gray (d) and Mittie Louise Cameron Ott Gray (d) on December 12, 1955, Emily was an amazing young girl who loved God and had the spirit of God in her heart. Being born as special needs, Emily’s mother did not let it deter her or the family when the doctor’s stated she would not live beyond 12 years of age because of her disability. She attended a special needs class at Gertrude Barber Center where her mother was employed. Emily excelled in programs designed for Downs syndrome and those with disabilities. She participated in a few years of Special Olympics and worked in companies that promoted inclusion. Emily was able to have role from bagging Avon products in an Erie warehouse to later folding silver wear for TGIFriday’s in Maryland. Emily and her mom moved to Maryland in 1986, in the same area where both her brothers resided. She was in many day programs to keep her mind stimulated and always stayed involved in all family activities, surrounded in love. After the passing of both her mom in 1995 and her brother Calvin’s wife in 1997, Emily moved to Lawrenceville, GA with Calvin and his youngest daughter D’Etta to join his other daughter Jamelia and her husband. Emily quickly became engaged in activities around the area, moving to a high functional group home for one year. After that run though, she was moved to a group home with KES, Inc., where she quickly acclimated in her new home, new day programs and new caregivers for 20 years. Many amazing moments were experienced with Emily being able to capture hearts with her smile and her electrifying dance moves that electrified. The family was involved with the programs for Emily, from summer fun activities to seeing Emily in a Christmas play. She attended church on occasion with her group home buddies and was excited to share phone calls of progress in teaching her big brother’s and niece’s phone numbers by memory. She was always excited to get picked up to share a meal or a car ride with them as well. But the best times were shared during the Christmas holidays. Emily always loved the spirit of the season, loved singing her heart out, mostly to Michael Jackson’s Thriller album and receiving pretty things that looked good and smelled great. She was a girlie girl, through and through, with a prominent sense of strength and resiliency. Waiting for Emily in Glory was her mother and father, her stepfather Lester Ott, her brothers, Leon Dexter Ott and Calvin Lee Ott and his wife, Rachel Mae Powell Ott and her niece Capucine Hines. Emily is survived by her sister-in-law, Ellen W. Ott, her nieces Valerie Marie Johnson and her husband Charles Johnson, her niece Cappy’s husband Joseph D. Hines, Jamelia Thompson and her husband Charles B. Thompson, D’Etta Monique Ott, Morgan Anita Ott, and her nephew Cameron David Ott. Her great nieces and nephews, Julian D. Hines, Charles James Johnson I, LaRecia A. Hines, Justus D. Hines, Abigail FM Hines, Devon C. Thompson and Jaden C. Thompson, along with a wonderful host of cousins. In the last year, it is thought that Emily suffered a trauma of longing. After losing most of her family years ago, her big brother Calvin’s passing in 2021 was a tremendous blow. She loved him so dearly and the two were so connected. But her beautiful strength and “I love yous” will always have a lasting impression on all hearts that have ever been in her presence.

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Emily Louise Gray

December 12, 1955 - October 24, 2023