Phyllis Gray

Thursday, November 9, 2017 4:47 pm

Phyllis Gray, 66, of Decorah, died Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, at the UW Madison Hospital in Madison, Wis. Services are at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Center of Faith and Life at Luther College in Decorah in the Recital Hall, with a reception at the Qualley Lounge following the service.

Because of the multitude of people and organizations Phyllis touched, a second service and gathering has been added to accommodate those who could not make her service Saturday. Everyone is welcome to either service or both services.

A memorial dinner gathering for Phyllis Gray is Tuesday, Nov. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Baker Commons at Luther College in Decorah. A service will be held, followed by a light dinner and fellowship time. All are welcome and encouraged to share favorite stories inspired by our good friend, family member and mentor.
Phyllis asked that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alma Everlyn Gray Study Abroad Scholarship fund. It is very easy to make gifts to this fund. You can write a check to Luther College and indicate in the memo line, or in a note included with the gift, that it should be designated to this scholarship. You can also make a gift on-line at givenow.luther.edu. Phyllis believed strongly in and was a life-time supporter of education.

Phyllis was born April 5, 1951, in Chicago, Ill. She was the daughter of Walter and Alma Everlyn (Berry) Gray of Prentiss, Miss. She was a baptized, confirmed member of Bethel Lutheran Church of Englewood in Chicago, Ill. She attended William G. Beale Elementary and Beale Upper-Grade Center. She graduated with honors from Englewood High School in 1968. Phyllis matriculated at Kennedy King, Roosevelt and Northern Illinois universities in Chicago. She received her Bachelors of Education in Speech and Theater from Luther College in 1973 and her Masters of Education in Children’s Theater from the University of Northern Iowa in 1984. Phyllis’ most recent endeavors involved pursuing a Doctorate of Education—EdD at the University of Northern Iowa at the time of her homegoing.
Phyllis taught English and Social Studies at Logan Jr. High in Waterloo. She worked with the Upward Bound Program at Luther College for 40 years and served as the director for 35 years (1977-2012) inspiring and impacting thousands of people for multiple generations.

Phyllis’ professional organizational memberships and affiliations include Valley Supporting Players (co-founder 2003-2005), American Association of University of Women (treasurer 1998), Mid-American Association Educational Opportunity Program (president 1995-1998), TRIO (Iowa Chapter Board of Directors 1986-1995; Iowa Chapter Chair 1993-1995; Achievers Chair 1997-1998), National Council Educational Opportunity Associations (Board of Directors Member 1995-1998), New Minowa Players (Board Member, costumer, performer).

She leaves to cherish her memories three sisters: Bunny Lou Gray, Independence, Mo., Mary E. Gray, Prentiss, Miss. and Dolly E. Gray, Durant, Miss.; one brother, Teddy (Theresa) Gray, Chicago, Ill.; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends, Godchildren, extended family, co-workers and staff members.

Phyllis is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Bertha C. Gray; and brother, Tommy L. Gray.