Edna Gray Smith was born on May 10, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois to Oliver and Frenchie Gray (both preceded her in death).  Edna's siblings (who all preceded her in death) were Henrietta Williams, Charlotte Moss, Oliver Gray, Jr. "Big Buddy", William Gray "Little Buddy", Frenchie Gray, Eleanor Washington, and Emma Williams.  Her loving Bonus Mother, Lettie Gray, and sisters Louella Gray and Lillie Gray, also preceded her in death.

Edna Gray was united in Holy Matrimony to Edward Johnson Smith on August 27, 1949 and to this union was born one daughter, Victorian "Vicki".  They were happily married for 44 years.  She was the caregiver and lifeline for her husband for 20 years, until his passing on January 18, 1993.

Edna grew up on the near west side of Chicago and graduated from Medill Elementary School and Fenger High School.  She was a devout believer in God and was baptized at an early age. Edna was a longtime member of St. Joachim Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois.  She also visited several churches in Bellwood, Illinois. She worked for the Western District Office of the Illinois Department of Public Aid in Chicago, Illinois for over 30 years until she retired in 1997.

Being the youngest child after her mom passed away when she was only 3 years old, she was the family nurturer and was totally devoted to her brothers, sisters, and her family for all of her 91 years here on earth.  She formed strong and lifelong bonds with her nieces, especially Amelia ("Yankie") and Loretta ("Poochie"), who were like sisters to her. Anyone who held a conversation with her, no matter how brief,  knew that she loved her daughter, Vicki, son-in-love, Richard, and her granddaughters, Heather, Katherine, and Jacqueline, whom she felt were the best things in her life.

Edna enjoyed sewing, cooking, listening to music--particularly Gospel music--and attending family gatherings. She also enjoyed playing with her great-grandpups, especially her little Bobby, and spending time with the Bellwood Seniors at any open casino or Bingo game. She was fun-loving, candid, and the original "Ride-or-Die" to her friends and family. She was a kindred spirit to many and truly never met a stranger. Everyone she met could feel her genuine warm and loving spirit, even if she had to tell them off.

As she approached her 92nd birthday next month, Edna continued being an active senior citizen and could drive herself wherever she wanted to go! She frequently traveled solo to visit her daughter in Richardson, Texas.  She was known for always taking care of her business and believed that she should always stand on her own two feet!  Her philosophy was to enjoy life, value education, and always keep trying to do better.

Edna made her transition on March 30, 2024, at Loyola Hospital in Maywood, Illinois following a brief illness.  Her loving daughter, Vicki, was there comforting her and caring for her all the way to the end.  She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory, her devoted daughter, Victorian (the late Richard) Lowrey; granddaughters, Heather Lowrey, Katherine (Brian) Scott, Jacqueline Lowrey; her very special friend, Betty Morton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Visitation Friday April 5th, 2024 from 12:00pm until time of servie 1:00pm at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner or Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads, Hillside. Glen Oak Cemetery

Info: 800-562-0082

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