Carolyn “Wilson” Gray

Carolyn “Wilson” Gray

Cedar Rapids

Carolyn “Wilson” Gray, 76, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, after a decade-long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She spent her final days at The Keystones of Cedar Rapids and was assisted by Mercy Hospice.

Carolyn was born on January 26, 1948, in Des Moines, IA, the daughter of Raymond “Whitey” and Clover (Penman) Wilson. Carolyn was a proud graduate of Des Moines East High School in 1966. She planned the high school reunions for 50 years. In 1995, she married Richard “Rich” Gray. They resided in Des Moines, Rochester, NY and Cedar Rapids, IA throughout their marriage. Carolyn worked for Rochester Midland and used her passion for environmentally friendly chemicals to fuel a successful career in sales.

Carolyn loved to travel and fondly recalled trips to Hawaii even in her later days. She loved gardening and always had beautiful flowers surrounding each home she lived in. Entertaining was a passion of hers and displayed her exceptional hosting and cooking skills. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

Carolyn is survived by her loving husband Rich; sons Eric (Julie) Upchurch and Jason Upchurch, both of North Liberty; sisters Marilyn (Ted) Miller of Phoenix, AZ and Judi (John) Erickson of Des Moines, IA; grandchildren Ethan Upchurch of Coralville, IA and Lauren Upchurch of Iowa City, IA; two nephews and a niece.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents.

Brosh Chapel and the Avacentre will be assisting the family at this time. A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com.