Mrs. Debra Sue Gray, 69, of New Albany, IN passed away Tuesday morning, August 5, 2025 at her sister’s home. She was born March 29, 1956 in New Albany, IN, the daughter of the late Earl and Alice Jane Jackson Patterson.
Sue was a homemaker and a member of the Apple Grove Baptist Church. In earlier years, she participated in church activities including VBS and Girl’s Auxiliary. Her love for the Lord and her faith in him was unlimited.
Sue enjoyed reading, crocheting and all genres of music. She especially loved Elvis Presley, old gospel and country music. Sue was known to be a very giving soul and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was a true Kentucky Wildcat fan, unless they were playing Indiana University and she knew how to drive her husband crazy cheering for the Hoosiers when they played.
Sue delighted in visits with her grandchildren and never let them leave empty handed. In kind, they always repaid her with lots of hugs. She was an avid animal lover who had many pets and requested the remains of her precious Buffy to be buried with her.
Those who knew her, knew her to be feisty and short but mighty. She most definitely did things her way.
On June 30, 1974, she united in marriage with Kenneth Gray, who preceded her in death.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Earl Patterson.
Survivors include her son, Kenneth Gray Jr. and wife, Holly, of Jeffersonville, IN; a sister, Brenda Upchurch and husband, David, of New Albany, IN; treasured grandchildren, Mykoria Brown and husband, Cameron, Jaxon Kenneth, Korbin Earl, Kinsley Mechelle, Waylon Michael and Abigale Ruth Gray; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Tuesday, August 12 at 1 P.M. with Rev. Jack Smith officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Hart Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be Fred Rexroat, Luke Rexroat, John McVey, John Daniel McVey, Tony Parsons and Danny Lee Bunch. Honorary bearers will be James Patterson, Dr. Raju Vora, Darris Jackson, Dennis Jackson, David Upchurch, Don Rexroat and Jimmy Miles.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the National Humane Society at https://www.nationalhumanesociety.org/ in Debra’s memory.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Monday between 6 and 8 P.M. and Tuesday after 11 A.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
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For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.