Olive L. Gray

COLUMBIA, NH – Mrs. Olive L. Gray, 92, of Columbia, NH, passed away at her residence early on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, after a period of failing health and surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Manchester, NH, on February 22, 1919, a daughter to the late Henry and Blanche (Dix) Lawrence. She was raised in Farmington, NH, and graduated from Farmington High School in 1937. Olive went on to attend the Keene Teachers’ College and earned her teaching degree in 1941. Mrs. Gray’s life was spent as an educator. She taught for four years at Stevens High School in Claremont, NH; for 13 years as a 7th and 8th grade teacher in Farmington, NH; at the Horace Street School in Dover, NH, from 1959-67; and at the Dover Jr. High School in Dover from 1967 until her retirement in 1983. In 1969, she established the library in the Dover Jr. High School and became its first librarian. She furthered her own education by taking graduate courses in library science at UNH. After her retirement, she joined the Strafford County Retired Teachers’ Association. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Farmington since 1928, and was very active in her faith. Olive was an adult Bible studies teacher, a choir director, church organist, deaconess, a member of the missionary committee and a member of the church’s gospel team. She also very much loved her congregation at the Independent Baptist Church in West Stewartstown, NH. Mrs. Gray is survived by her husband of 33 years, Francis Gray of Columbia, NH; and numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, all of whom she adored, and who will all miss her dearly. She is preceded in death by eight siblings, Abbott Lawrence, John Lawrence, Henry Lawrence, Arthur Lawrence, Charles Lawrence, Leroy Lawrence, Beatrice Lawrence, and Cecelia Moore. Calling hours will be Thursday, March 17, 2011, from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at the Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home in Colebrook, NH. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at the Independent Baptist Church in West Stewartstown with Pastor Matt Coons officiating. A committal service will be at St. Brendan’s Cemetery later in the spring. Expresssions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Gray may be made to one’s choice of the Independent Baptist Church, Deacons' Fund, P.O. Box 281, West Stewartstown, NH 03597; or to the Northwoods Home & Hospice, 120 Main St., Suite 5, Colebrook, NH 03576. Condolences may be offered to the family on-line by going to www.jenkinsnewman.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jenkins & Newman Funeral Home, Colebrook, NH.

Olive L. Gray

February 22, 1919 - March 15, 2011