Elma Jo Cain Gray, 92, of Howe, Texas entered heaven on the night of June 12, 2024. Jo (also known as Mother, Mama, Grandma, Mawmaw, Mama Jo, Aunt Jo, and Jodie) was known for her love of the Lord, the close relationship she had with her loving family, the delicious meals and desserts she shared at her table, and how she modeled an extremely strong work ethic to all who knew her.
The youngest child of Chester and Elma Grantland Cain, Jo was born on September 30, 1931 in Tom Bean, Texas. She attended school in Tom Bean, where she was very active in all sports. Jo graduated from high school in 1948 and soon after married the love of her life, Wayne Gray. They continued to live in Grayson County for their 63-year marriage, with the exception of the year Wayne served in the U.S. Navy. When he returned home, they purchased a small farm east of Howe. It is there that they raised their three sons, Garry, Lenny, and Joe, and where Jo still called home until she passed.
Jo worked for Safeway stores over a span of thirty years, where she made many friends. She often commented on how those friends made her life so enjoyable. Jo and Wayne loved to travel, spending time in the cool mountains of Cloudcroft, New Mexico over many summers. They were also able to visit all 50 of the United States as they traveled with the Good Sams Club and other friends. Jo continued to travel with her family after Wayne’s passing, most recently traveling to Europe for her first time.
Jo is survived by her sons Garry Gray and wife Karla of Howe, Lenny Gray and wife Debbie of Pilot Point, Joe Gray and wife Honey of Allen; by her grandchildren Allan Gray and wife Stephanie, Kevin Gray and wife Dawn, Sean Gray and wife Ashley, Brad Gray and wife Melissa, Brent Gray and wife Margot, Chelsea Farmer and husband Matt, Chance Gray and wife Courtney; by her great grandchildren Riley Hargrove and husband Paul, Sydney Bush and husband Jacob, and Garrett Gray; Cheyenne Wooten and husband Ronnie, and Mika Gray; Jase and Janie Gray; Skylar, Landry, and Cooper Gray; Zoey and Reese Gray; Dylan and Grayson Farmer; Shepherd, Josiah, and Isaac Gray, with Walker Gray due in October; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Elma Cain, her loving husband Wayne Gray, her siblings Mary Asbill, C.A. Cain, Lavada Smith, Jim Cain, Cecil Cain, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at the Howe Methodist Church, with Pastor J.B. Bryant officiating. Interment will follow at Akers Cemetery in Sherman. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at Scoggins Funeral Home in Van Alstyne. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Howe Methodist Women group of Howe Methodist Church, a group that was close to her heart.