Arletta Donese (White) Gray

Life’s Reflection

Arletta Donese Gray departed life on February 17, 2021 while at the Kansas University Medical Center.  She was the youngest of three children, born on July 2, 1977 in Topeka, Kansas to Arthur White and Yolande French Daniels.

Arletta received Christ and was baptized at Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist at a young age. She attended First Baptist Church of Kansas City, Kansas in her youth. Arletta grew up in Kansas City, Kansas.  Arletta graduated from Sumner Academy in 1995 where she was an excellent student, cheerleader, and a recipient of Project Choice.  She went on to attend college at Clark Atlanta University located in Atlanta, Georgia.  Where she graduated July 24, 1999, earning her Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health/Health Information Management.  A great accomplishment but, she was not done furthering her education.  Arletta finished her education by earning a Master’s degree of Public Administration.  She graduated from The University of Missouri Kansas City on August 1, 2003.  Arletta was a hard worker and put those degrees to good use.  She then spent most of her career with the government, beginning with a career at the IRS before working for the Social Security Administration as a Benefit Authorizer.  She was a valued employee, and she will be missed. 

Arletta Gray was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Kansas City, Kansas Alumnae Chapter, March 4, 2006.  She was very active in the chapter and held several positions throughout from Custodian of Properties, member of the Nominating Committee, Minera Circle, Delta GEMS and Delta Academy, she will be missed.  Although, Arletta wore many hats, being a mother was cherished most by Arletta.  She was the beautiful mother of three wonderful children Christopher, Aliyah, and Madyson Gray.  Words cannot express the love and passion she had for her children.  She supported her children in each and every way she could without hesitation. The children’s gifts and talents are a testament to Arletta’s ability to bring out the best in everyone.  As a devoted follower of Christ, she raised all three children in the church.

She spent a lifetime helping others in the community and was an advocate for the marginalized.  She was a kindhearted person who continually made an impact on everyone in which she encountered.  She was known for her extraordinary baking skills especially her carrot cake, and blackout cake which, she made for every one of her children’s birthdays.  Arletta also loved to travel abroad and looked forward to vacationing.  

Arletta is survived by her spouse, Nathaniel Gray of Kansas City Kansas; and three children: son, Christopher; daughter, Aliyah; and daughter, Madyson Gray.  Her beautiful life will also be remembered by her parents, Arthur White; and Yolande Daniels; grandmother, Elsie French, one brother, Michael White (Kathleen); sister, Antonette White Anderson (Melvin); and a precious nephew, Anthony White; along with a host of other relatives & friends.

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