Joan C. "Joni" (Sexton) Gray's Obituary
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 the late Bradley and Helen (Smith) Sexton. She graduated from West Genesee High School in 1971 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the State University of New York College at Cortland, and a Master of Education degree from Syracuse University. Joni was a dedicated educator for thirty-three years. She retired from the Baldwinsville Central School District in 2008 after twenty-six years of service.
Joni is survived by her husband of thirty-three years, Irving (Skip) Gray; her six children, Sara (Jay) Graham, Joshua (Kelly) MacNabb, Elizabeth (Andrew) MacWilliams, Ashley (Jay) Gray, McKenzie Gray, and Taylor (Tony) Capobianco; her siblings, Janet (Robert) Korts, Jean Middaugh, and John (Alison) Sexton, and her nine grandchildren, Zachary, Lauren, Tyler, Sophia, Braden, Molly, Katherine, Reagan, and Graciella.
Joni will forever be remembered for her beautiful smile, giving heart, unwavering kindness, unconditional love for her students and family, and of course, her many beautiful Christmas trees. She has made our world a better place.
The family of Joni Gray wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to Dr. Russell Silverman for his constant and unwavering support, Kristin Niver, PA, for her kindness and compassion, and all of the nurses on 3-2 at St. Joseph’s Hospital for providing exceptional care and comfort during the most difficult and overwhelming time in Joni’s life.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 4, 2019 at THOMAS J. PIRRO JR. FUNERAL HOME, 3401 Vickery Road, (corner of Buckley Rd.) North Syracuse. A funeral mass in celebration of Joni will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Camillus, at noon on Saturday, October 5, 2019.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Joan C. Gray Memorial Scholarship Fund, care of Sara Graham. Envelopes will be available during calling hours for those who wish to contribute.
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