OBITUARY 

Mae Kathrin Stokes-Grays, affectionately known as “Big Ma” was born on October 23, 1931 in Dallas, Texas to the union of the late Jordan & Lurline Stokes. She has two siblings, Jordean Mills and Marion Crump, who preceded her in death.  Alvah P. Grays Jr. son, and grandson, Kenneth Gardner also preceded her in death.

Mae came to Cleveland, Ohio in October 1937, she attended Burrough Elementary School, Central Junior High, and graduated from Central High School.  She later furthered her education by attending Cuyahoga Community College.

Mae began her career on February 5, 1968 with Cuyahoga County Department of Health & Human Services as a Training Officer I.  She retired on January 30, 1994 after 26 years of service.

Mae accepted Christ early on in life, she joined United Faith Christian Church on April 8, 1984. She was a faithful member under the direction of Pastor Donald Jackson.  Mae loved playing cards, planting flowers, and anyone who knew Mae knew how much she loved playing bingo.

Mae was loved by many and became “Big Ma” to everyone she met. She was always willing to help others, and give words of wisdom and encouragement.

Mae was joined in Holy Matrimony on September 4, 1951 to Alvah Perry Grays, Sr. She was blessed with 4 children that loved her dearly.

Mae departed this life on October 20, 2017. She leaves to cherish her precious memories three children, two daughters, Patricia Grant and Renee Gardner of Cleveland, Ohio; one son, Thurmond Grays (Octiavia) of Merrillville, Indiana; five grandchildren, Christina Scales, Lakeeta Hardy-Dotson (Joseph), RoShunda Hardy, Kevin Gardner Jr (Jolisa), and Keith Gardner; seven great grandchildren, Milton Dean III (Nadja), Kevin Hardy, Willie Hardy, Warner Johnson Jr, Ronelle Chandler, Samuel Wright IV, Tierra Wright and five great-great grandchildren; one brother-in-law, Johnny Crump and host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.