Barbara Southern Gray

Mrs. Barbara Ray Southern Gray, age 87, of Pilot Mountain, went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Thursday January 2, 2025, after several years of being cared for in her home by her family. Mrs. Gray was born in Forsyth County, December 5, 1937, the daughter of the late John F. and Effie May Kiser Southern.

Barbara worked for Western Electric in Winston-Salem 14 years before leaving her position to raise her children alongside her husband, Harry to secure a safe and loving home. She joined the Surry County Home Extension Club to hone her home making skills; cooking, sewing, baking, cake decorating, canning, creating floral arrangements, and other various arts and crafts. She shared her talents to enrich and brighten the lives of the ones she loved.

Barbara was an extremely proud “Nannie” to 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She attended their track meets, ball games, and concerts. She taught them in Sunday School, Bible School, Mission Friends, and volunteered multiple years at the schools they were attending.

Surviving are daughters and son-in-law, Michelle Swearengin, Deana Rutherford, Karen and Richard Pell; son, John Eric Gray; grandchildren, Andrew Rutherford and Sheree, Austin Rutherford, Tucker Anschutz, Erica Gray, Thomas Pell, Ashley and Billy Mullins; great grandchildren, Brantley Mullins, Maximus Mullins, Ashleigh Haynes; sister, Bonnie Booe. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Harry Robert Gray, III, son-in-law, Don Swearengin, brothers, Tony Southern and Charles Southern. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Pinnacle Baptist Church with Rev. Todd Lusk officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The Gray family will receive friends at Pinnacle Baptist Church on Saturday January 11, 2025, from 1:00-2:00 PM. 

The family is grateful for nurse Katie from Mountain Valley Hospice, for her genuine care and concern, and for always having a bright smile for mom. We are thankful for Ellen, who showed our family understanding, sincere compassion, and for staying up all night, to be with us at the time of mom’s passing. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.