Ora Alexander

With grace, warmth, and unwavering devotion, Ora Lee Gay Alexander, age 82, peacefully departed this life surrounded by family and love on June 3, 2025, in Kansas City, KS. She was born on October 30, 1942, in Brickeys (Lee County), Arkansas, to Pastor William T. Gay, Sr. and Naomi Farmer Gay. After her parents separated and her father deployed to serve in World War II, Ora was lovingly raised by her paternal aunt, Gonzellar “Mutt” Norrington, in Marianna, AR.

Ora graduated in 1960 from Robert Russ (R.R.) Moton High School. Following graduation, she attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff—then known as Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College (AM&N)—where she earned a B.S. in Home Economics in 1964. She began her professional career as an educator in Arkansas.

On September 5, 1966, Ora married her college sweetheart, Col. Charles Edward Alexander III, MD in Marianna, AR. Their marriage, rooted in deep affection and mutual respect, spanned 57 years and was a cornerstone of their lives. The couple moved to Little Rock, AR, where Charles entered medical school at the University of Arkansas. During that time, Ora taught in the Little Rock school system until they relocated to Cincinnati, OH in 1970. There, she continued teaching Home Economics until 1974, when the family moved to Kansas City, KS, where Charles began his OB/GYN practice. Together, they built a legacy of compassion and community service, touching countless lives across Arkansas, Ohio, and Kansas.

Ora dedicated her professional life to education, serving as a teacher and mentor in several Kansas City schools. She began teaching English and Literature at Rosedale Middle School and later taught Family and Consumer Science at Wyandotte and Washington High Schools, where she eventually retired. Her impact on students and colleagues alike remains a lasting testament to her commitment to education and excellence.

In Kansas City, Ora formed lifelong friendships and was an active, beloved member of the community. She gave her life to Christ at an early age and remained steadfast in her faith. A devout member of First A.M.E. Church, she served on the Women’s Missionary Board, sang in the choir, and participated in numerous committees and programs.

Ora devoted countless hours to community service. She volunteered at the Wilhelmina Gill Services Center, providing meals and resources to the homeless and low-income families in Wyandotte County. She served for over 30 years on the board of the Friends of Yates Y.W.C.A. Branch, including 10 years as Director and 8 years as Vice President. She mentored countless youth through her 20+ years in Jack and Jill of America, Inc., including service as Central Region Director. She was also an active member of the National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. (Alpha Alpha Chapter), the UAPB Alumni Association, the Kansas Citian Women’s Social Club (23 years), and the Pierian Club (over 30 years).

Ora’s life was a radiant reflection of love, faith, and service. Known as the family historian, she was an avid reader and book collector. She found joy in the performing arts, music, dancing, traveling, cooking, and above all, spending time with family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles; her parents; her aunt Gonzellar Norrington; sisters Sheila Hampton and Cetra L. Hunt; sister-in-law Gloria Carter; and brother Andrew Carter.

She is survived by her children: Tara Alexander of Dallas, TX; Corey Alexander of Fort Washington, MD; and Brett (Veronica) Alexander of Keller, TX. She leaves behind five cherished grandchildren—Joshua Aaron Alexander, Charleston Frank Alexander, Emma Grace Alexander (Lora Alexander), Noble Orion Alexander, and Landon Syre Alexander (Karen Delos Reyes).

She is also survived by her siblings: Raleigh Carter, Yvonne Hudson, Leotis A. (Joyce) Carter, and Ronald (Lucinda) Carter, all of Chicago, IL; Vetra Fields of Bloomfield, IL; Ginnie Bee (Buryl) Backstrom of Marianna, AR; Pastor William T. (Sharon) Gay, Jr. of Brickeys, AR; Joycelyn Gay (Clarence) McKay, Sandrew Gay King, and and Gonzella Gay (MSgt. Darrell M.) Gray all of Little Rock, AR; Clarice Gay Torrence of Killeen, TX; sister-in-law Ethel Grace (Alex) Washington of Brighton, MI; brother-in-law George (Barbara) Alexander of Warren, AR and brother-in-law Robert Hampton of Little Rock, AR, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

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