She grew up and attended school in Osage, Clinton and Burlington, IA. Barbara obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA, in 1948. While at Cornell she met her husband Gordon L. Gray.
Following their marriage, they both pursued advanced degrees in graduate school at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL. She received her Masters from Northwestern in 1951.
After graduate school Barbara became first and foremost a homemaker and mother; but she also pursued careers as a librarian, professional musician and a teacher.
Having grown up in a parsonage, for most of her life she was an active church member. She particularly loved Christmas and everything related to it. Barbara held several church music director positions and was a noted church organist.
She also spent a period of time as an adjunct professor teaching college English at Temple University. Her interests included family, playing piano and organ, antiques, historic architecture, travel, good food, quilting/needlework and stimulating conversation.
She was predeceased by husband Dr. Gordon L. Gray and son David Gray. Mrs. Gray is survived by a son Jonathan Gray of Dresher, PA and nephew William Utley, Jr. of Harpswell.
A private memorial service will be held for friends and family.
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