Georgia Helen Gray

April 12, 1936 - October 10, 2018

Georgia Helen Gray, 82, of Jefferson City, passed away October10, 2018 following a lingering illness. A fierce fighter for historic preservation in Jefferson County, Mrs. Gray once faced down a bulldozer to save one of the county’s first log schoolhouses. She was also known as a friend of those in need, a second mother to many, a mentor and a caretaker. Mrs. Gray was instrumental in working to save or preserve the Mossy Creek Schoolhouse, Five Chimneys, Glenmore Mansion, Roper Tavern, Branner Cemetery, Brazelton Cabin, McBee House and Ramsey House. She was the founder or co-founder of many Jefferson County historical and community support organizations, including the Genealogical Society,Historical Society, Bicentennial Celebration, Angel Tree program, and local chapters of the American Cancer Society and American Red Cross. A board member and president of the Glenmore Chapter of the Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities (APTA), her passion was preserving the historic Jefferson City mansion so that future generations could enjoy it. Her leadership in the Glenmore Chapter led to two terms of service as State President of the APTA, and a seat on the state board. When her children were in school, she served as a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout den mother, band and football booster. Mrs. Gray was also a member of the Holston Chapter of Eastern Star, Knox Heritage, East Tennessee Historical Society, American Legion Auxiliary Post #2, Marine Corps League Auxiliary and Telephone Pioneers Ladies, Morristown Unit. In the late 1970’s, she was appointed to a Department of Child & Family Services board that wrote laws against child abuse. For all of her community service and efforts to preserve local history, Mrs. Gray was named Jefferson Countian of the Year in 2015. She also was inducted into the Historical Society Hall of Fame in 2009, and received the Ramsey Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. Over the years, she was an active member of George Street United Methodist Church, and First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. Mrs. Gray was preceded in death by her parents, Troy Lee and Gladys Rolen Taylor; husband, Charles Kenneth Gray, Sr.; and three siblings, Troy, Emma Faye and Richard. She is survived by her three children, Misti Gray, Doug (Mary Ann) Gray, and Chuck (Sherry) Gray; siblings, Ronald and David; and a number of loved nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 14 at First Baptist Church of Jefferson City. Receiving of friends will be from 1-3 p.m., with service at 3 p.m. All friends and family will gather afterwards at Glenmore Victorian Mansion. Graveside services will be held Monday, October 15 at 11 a.m. at Berry-Highland Cemetery on Kingston Pike in Knoxville, TN. Arrangements by Fielden Funeral Home in New Market.