Obituary of Ledonia Gray

Ledonia E. Gray Former Teacher and Vice Principal in the Waterbury School System Southington – Ledonia “Doni” Gray, 89, widow of the late Charles Gray, passed on to her heavenly home, February 12, 2020 after a short illness. Mrs. Gray was born on October 11, 1930 in Waterbury, daughter of the late Carolene and Elisha Watts. She graduated from Walsh Grammar School and Leavenworth High School; continuing her education and graduated from Virginia Union University with a degree in Biology; also graduated from Southern Connecticut State College with a degree in Education. She also received her six year degree in Administration from Central Connecticut State University. Mrs. Gray was one of the first African American teachers in Waterbury and was a strong devoted Science Teacher in Webster and Woodrow Wilson Schools. She retired as Vice Principal of North End Middle School and will be missed by her many students who loved and respected her. She was very active in Zion Baptist Church as a Deaconess, Senior and Adult Mass Choir, member of the Scholarship Committee, By-law Committee, Outreach Committee, and advised Sunday School on some of their projects. She was very active in Church Women United. She was a proud Soror of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Waterbury and New Haven Chapters, and a lifelong member of the NAACP and an associate with the Bridge players of Southington. Mrs. Gray is survived by her son, Derrick Gray of Southington, her daughter Arlina Staton of GA, grandchildren; Derrica, Desmond, Deshawn, Derrick, Jr., and Darnay, eight great-grandchildren, her sisters Valdoris, Maxine and Beverly, and a brother Harvey as well as several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. She was predeceased by a brother Judson Watts, a sister Jeanette Watts and a nephew Richard Garner; whom she raised. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Zion Baptist Church, 137 Pearl St., Waterbury. Family and Friends are asked to meet at Church at 8:30 am. Burial will follow at New Pine Grove Cemetery, Meriden Rd., Waterbury. Friends may call at the church on Thursday from 9:00 am until 11 am. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will conduct their services at 9:00 am. The Prospect Memorial Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd., Prospect is assisting the family with arrangements with James R. Sanders Funeral Director. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Gray memory to the Scholarship Committee, Zion Baptist Church, 137 Pearl St., Waterbury 06704. For directions and online condolences please visit www.prospectmemorial.com