Mildred Elaine Life-Gray was born in Brunswick, Georgia on October 6th, 1939, to the union of Edward and Julia Life.

Growing up in the coastal community of Brunswick GA, Mildred, affectionally known as "Millie" would swim and enjoy time with her three siblings. Mildred gave her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized into the Christian faith at First African Baptist Church where she played the organ and piano on Sundays.

After graduating from Risley High School, Mildred went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree of Arts from Spelman College in Atlanta Georgia. While in college Mildred pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and was a proud member often quoting their motto "By Culture and By Merit". A true believer in the power of education, she returned to school and earned a Master's of Arts from Olivet Nazarene University.

On June 9th, 1963, Mildred married Donald L. Gray and settled in Maywood Illinois. They had been married for 30 years and their union was blessed with three children, twins Donald II and Kelly and Barbara (Tu-Tu).

In her career, Mildred taught in the Chicago Public School system for 40 years. She was an educational extraordinaire! Teaching and uplifting young minds were her superpower. Tapping into her entrepreneurial spirit, she opened and operated a daycare center called "Kid's Ahoy!". From there, for 20 years during her summers, she worked for the Maywood Recreation Department in the role of Counselor and Supervisor. After retiring from CPS in 2005, she loved teaching so much that she returned to the classroom to substitute teach in Maywood's District 89 for 10 years. Educating our children for a total of 50 years.

Beyond the numerous accolades throughout her career, her light shined brightest when she was involved in her hobbies and spending time with her family and her many friends. Always possessing a sunny and happy disposition, she loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor.

Mildred enjoyed reading, playing the piano and was passionate about traveling. Her excursions included trips to NYC, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and many spots in Florida. She enjoyed cruises to Alaska, Mexico, Bahamas and Hawaii.

What a friend she was. Millie was a loving friend and neighbor. "Friend" is an understatement as all her friends were like family. Ila Burch, Dorothy Shannon and Millie created the term BFF…Best Friends Forever! "Mi Casa Es Su Casa" were words she lived by. Every neighbor, friend and friends of her children were welcome in the "Gray Manor". Residing in Maywood until her passing, she was a pillar on the legendary 1400 block of 11th Ave. Also, the Gray family hosted amazing Thanksgiving and Christmas extravaganzas.

Mildred was a phenomenal, dedicated mother who loved her children like no other. A true nurturer, her mothering energy was not exclusive to her children as it radiated like the sun shining on every child and person she encountered.

On Sunday, December 15th, 2024, surrounded by family and friends, Mildred Elaine Life-Gray was called home to be with the Lord.

Mildred is survived by her daughters Kelly and Barbara Gray, brother Edward Life II, special niece Evelyn Furlines and a host of family and friends. She was proceeded in death by son Donald Gray II, husband Donald, her parents Edward and Julia Life, siblings Lois Life-Screen and Johnny Life.

Visitation Friday, December 27, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads, Hillside/Westchester, IL.

Lying In-State Saturday, December 28, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. until time of service 12:00 p.m. at New Horizon Missionary Baptist Church, 1600 S. 5th Avenu, Maywood, IL 60153.

Info: 800-562-0082