Birth date: Jan 23, 1953 Death date: Sep 29, 2019
Joan C. “Joni” Gray, 66, of Clay, passed away on September 29, 2019 surrounded by the love of her husband and six children, after a hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer. Joni was born on January 23, 1953 in Amityville, NY to Read Obituary
Dear Taylor and Family. We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother. We are thinking of you during this difficult time and send our heartfelt condolences. May your Mother rest in eternal peace. Carla Onorato (Dorian’s Aunt)
Dear Josh and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Joni was such a special person and I know this loss will leave a big hole in so many lives. As a teacher, she had such an impact on me. She made me, and every student she had, feel seen. I'm thinking of you and the rest of the family she loved during this time.
Much love,
Mary Bates
Dearest Ashley & family, I am so deeply sorry to hear that your mom lost her battle.I worked with Ashley at NSC until she moved on. When her parents were coming in she would always call me and say they are coming and take good care of them. ( I did not want the wrath of Ashley) LOL But she didn t have to call because they were two wonderful people and I enjoyed seeing them and was most certainly going to take good care of them. I am thinking of you and always keep those wonderful memories of her alive.Please give your dad a hug for me
I met Joni when she taught at LaFayette with my mom, Jennie Sloper. My mother spoke glowingly of Joni's dedication to her students and truly enjoyed her humor. I continued to "keep track of" Joni over the years, as I taught with Alison, and saw how close Joni was to her family. She will be missed by many.
Beth Doolittle
Didn't she always start from a place of acceptance and love? Didn't she think every child who walked through her classroom door was going to learn so much, grow so much, and love so much that year? Didn't she imagine everyone she met was a possible new friend? I think most of us rose to meet her expectations. How could you not? She assumed the best of all of us--imagined us better than we were, perhaps. She saw our unlimited potential: strangers, friends, colleagues, students, neighbors, and her wonderful family, as well. Those amazing blue eyes conveyed all of that--and gave hint to her wicked sense of humor, as well. I live too far away to attend Joni's services this weekend. But to you, her dearest family, I'm sending gentle hugs as I remember Joni's life and her impact on my own.
--Ellen Yeomans (friend currently living in Prague)
I am truly saddened to hear of your loss . I haven't seen Joni in a long while but have such fond memories of visiting her school to sing for the children as well as hanging out with her family. It was very special. My love and condolences to her entire family
I am very sad to hear of Joni’s passing. She was always a good friend to my mother. She will be missed.
I worked with Joni many years ago at Palmer. She was a kind and generous person. She was a dedicated teacher who brought joy to the lives of many children. She will be missed. My thoughts are with Skip and Joni's family as they deal with this tragic loss.
Nancy Maresca
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joni’s family. Regretfully, I have not seen Joni in years, but I have such fond memories of her as my daughter’s 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. Joni was one if those teachers that leaves a lasting impression. Her kindness to, and love for each of her students made each of them feel important and special. Her innovative teaching methods resulted in a classroom of children that loved to learn. She was also so welcome to parent involvement. My memories include class sleepovers, plays, journaling, and pictures to document all of it. Joni, I am so sorry for your suffering but am grateful that your journey is complete and I wish peace to you and your family. Jane Wolfgang
