Elder Chester Arthur Gray

Life’s Reflections

Chester Arthur Gray was born May 19, 1921, the fourth of nine children to the union of Reverend Willie Henry Gray and Deola Jerry Gray.  Both parents preceded him in death.  He was preceded in death by eight siblings Willie, Hattie, Nathaniel, Ruthie, Mary, Herman, Lucille and Bertha; oldest son, Paul Gray; first wife Marguerite Gray, and stepdaughter Yolanda Hammons.

Chester completed his formal education in Muskogee, Oklahoma.  He was raised at the Fountain Baptist Church in Haynes, Oklahoma.  When Chester was in his 20’s, he gave his life to God and was filled with the gift of the Holy Ghost in the Church of God in Christ.

Chester joined the U. S. Army where he served in World War II.  He received an honorable discharge from the military.  He moved to Kansas City, Missouri where he was employed by the IRS until his retirement.

Elder Gray was active in various ministries in the Church of God in Christ.  He was dedicated to his family and community.  His professional studies included tailoring.

Elder Gray became a faithful member of Wright Temple Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder J. W. Wright.  He served in many capacities.

Later, Elder Gray became pastor of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ and Bera Church of God in Christ.  He was emeritus pastor in 2008. During his tenure, Elder Gray held several positions that included working in the International Sunday School Department.

He served the Western Missouri Jurisdiction under the leadership of Bishop E. Harris Moore as Administrative Assistant and Sunday School Superintendent. 

November 6, 2010, Elder Gray was joined in holy matrimony to Mother Jodie Lee Johnson.

Elder Gray leaves to cherish his memories, wife, Jodie Gray; sons, Leroy Harris and Vincent Gray; daughter-in-law, Irene Gray; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, stepchildren, goddaughter, Ann Maben, friends and church family.

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