Melba B. Gray

Melba B. Gray, 85 Publix Super Markets, Inc. Melba B. Gray of Lakeland, FL passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at home due to cancer surrounded by her family. She was 85. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Edward Gray, Sr., brother, Robert Van Barwick, Jr. and her sister, Sarah Dockery. She is survived by her son, Donald E. Gray, Jr. (Shirley), daughters, Denise A. Howard (Thomas) and Sharon K. Vaughn (Roy) all of Lakeland, FL, 6 grandchildren: Aaron Gray, Amanda Carr, Keith Vaughn, Brett Vaughn, Michelle Vaughn and Paul Buffington and 7 great grandchildren. Born January 12, 1929 to Robert Van and Mary Bates Barwick, she was a lifelong resident of Lakeland, FL and retired from Publix Supermarkets, Inc. Mrs. Gray enjoyed working in her garden and took pride in always having a well manicured lawn. Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. She will be missed dearly, but will live on in all of our hearts forever. Visitation will be Monday, June 2, from 5pm - 7pm at Heath Funeral Chapel, 328 S. Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, June 3 at 10am at Oak Hill Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Good Shepherd Hospice, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, FL 33823 or Wounded Warrior Project. Service: 06/03/2014 Graveside at Oak Hill Burial Park. Heath Funeral Chapel Visitation: 06/02/2014 Heath Funeral Chapel