Shirley Ann (Keitt) Gray

Shirley Ann Keitt Gray, 86, of Fayetteville, North Carolina stepped into the loving arms of Jesus on January 22, 2025.

Born in Orangeburg, South Carolina to John and Claudia Keitt, Shirley had a servant’s heart from the very beginning. As she grew into adulthood, she was truly a woman of God. She used the gifts God gave her to minister to those around her. Shirley was, among other things, a Sunday School teacher, choir member, church nursery director, a volunteer at Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, a member of River Rocks Outreach Ministry, and Girls Club leader assistant. She was an amazing mother to her children and often said that her favorite hobby was taking care of her family. From sewing and cooking, to helping with school projects, and making sure her children were learning to be good people, Shirley was one of a kind. In her later years, Shirley was a Volunteer Bible Devotional Reader. She would call people who were not able to read due to illness and read the Bible and Daily Devotional to each person individually. Shirley also had a love for dancing, especially the Shag. She would say, “I would rather dance than eat when I’m hungry, and ya’ll know I love to eat.” We take great comfort in the fact that Momma is now dancing at the feet of Jesus!

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband, James A. Gray; her parents, John and Claudia Keitt; her brothers, Jerold Keitt and Joe Horace Keitt; and two sons in law, William B. Sanders and Steve Kennedy. She is survived by her children, Scott Gray (Judy), Rachael Renee Sanders (Dion), Jack Gray (Cindy), Cheryl Paul (John), and Audrey Ross (William); her brother, John L. Keitt Jr.  (Deanna); her brother-in-law, Bobby Gray (Elizabeth); 13 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Shirley also had several spiritual children and grandchildren who called her Momma and Grandma.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to her caregivers, Charlotte Meehan and Jacene Deratany for their love and compassion to Shirley. We would also like to thank 3HC Hospice, and volunteer for 3HC Keely for your love and devotion, as well Cape Fear Valley Medical Center Hospice Unit and their wonderful staff.

The family will accept friends for visitation on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, from 11:00 am until 11:30 am at Thompson Funeral Home located at 1012 Whitman Street SE Orangeburg, South Carolina. Funeral Services will be held on January 28, 2025, at 11:30 am at Thompson Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral service at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens located at 4830 Columbia Road NE Orangeburg, South Carolina.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 am at Rivers of Living Waters located at 1764 Bingham Drive Fayetteville, North Carolina for her church family and friends.