Sharon Ann Gray, age 82, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Clay County Hospital.

      She was born April 4, 1944, in Salem, the daughter of Jason Leslie and Mildred Anna (Markham) Cook.  On February 3, 1980, Sharon married Paul Michael “Mike” Gray, beginning a journey together that would span 46 wedding anniversaries and countless treasured miles.

      Sharon lived with a generous heart and a natural way of making others feel welcome.  For nearly 25 years, Sharon was a familiar and friendly face at Flora IGA, where she had a way of turning a simple stop at the store into a chance to visit a bit and brighten someone’s day.  In 2002, at the age of 58, Sharon earned her associate’s degree in business administration from Frontier Community College while working at HELLA Electronics, where she eventually retired in 2007.

      Sharon enjoyed the simple blessings of life, and she also loved the great adventures she and Mike shared together.  Their trike motorcycle carried them through 49 states and several provinces in Canada, each trip bringing new sights, new stories, and good memories along the way.

      Closer to home, Sharon often played cards at the Senior Center and treasured the friendships she made there.  She was also part of the Yo-Yo Sisterhood Group and was a past president.  Faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was a longtime member of Flora First Methodist Church.  Sharon was grateful for the steady support, caring thoughts, friendly visits, and laughter she shared with so many others.

      Above all, Sharon loved her family.  They were the greatest joys of her life, and she leaves them with the precious memory of a wife, mom, and grandma whose heart and home were always open to everyone.

      She is survived by her husband: Mike Gray; 8 children: Liz (Bob Coward) Phelps, Wayne (Debbie) Gray, Ron (Angie) Phelps, Renee Robinson, Paula Gray, Tony (Angie) Gray, Jodi (Doug) Gibson, and Steven (Hayle) Gray; grandchildren: Tasha, Trenton, Logan, Blaine, Hunter, Keeley, TC, Kree, and Willa; 9 great-grandchildren; and her first great-great-grandchild, soon to arrive.  She is also survived by 2 brothers: Leslie Ray Cook and Dennis (Kim) Cook; 7 step-grandchildren; 11 step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

      She was preceded in passing by her parents; a sister-in-law: Martha Ellen Cook; and her mother-in-law: Bertha Gray.

      A memorial ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.  A memorial visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Wednesday evening, July 8, at the funeral home.  Donations in Sharon’s memory are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com