Mary Jane (Frankie) Gray died May 3, 2026. Born July 1, 1935 in Neeleyville, Missouri to Frank and Dora Zadnick. She grew up in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. She was a 1955 graduate of William Woods College in Fulton, Missouri and a 1957 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity.

Following graduation, she entered the Neiman Marcu executive training program in Dallas, Texas and subsequently was appointed the active sportswear buyer. She remained in the retail business until her marriage to Richard (Dick) Gray in 1972. She and Dick lived in Jonesboro their entire married life. After his death, she moved to Fayetteville, Arkansas to be closer to those who could care for her. She was at the Langford Memory Care until her death.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Arkansas and taught Sunday School Class for five year old children for more than forty years. She worked in the Vacation Bible School programs and served on numerous church committees.

She was an active volunteer in various community services and held positions including Treasurer of Jonesboro Junior Auxiliary. She was President of Jonesboro Church Health Center, President of Twentieth Century Club, President of Chapter of P.E.O., and a member of The Book Club.

She is survived by several cousins: Kay (Charles) Marlin of Rogers, Arkansas and their children, Lee (Rosie) Marlin, and Cindy (Jason) Lofton; Barbara and Ron Beckner of Alabaster, Alabama and their children, Parker and Kaitlyn Metz. And very special friends she claimed as her own: Kimberly Davidson and her children and grandchildren, Jonathan (Megan) and their children W.O., Walt, and Hughes, and Grant (Kristen) and their children Lucas, Mac, and Evie, all of Fayetteville, Arkansas.

A Memorial service and interment of her ashes will be held at the Veteran’s Cemetery in North Little Rock on May 29, 2026 at 1 pm

Lasting memorials in lieu of flowers may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund, Jonesboro Church Health Center, or TLC Learning Center, or a charity of the donor’s choice.