Talma Jean Gray ("Jean") passed away peacefully on March 7, 2019, at the age of 81, with family surrounding her.   Jean is survived by her daughter, Cindy Yeilding (Allen) of Birmingham, and her son, Randy Gray (Mendy) of Houston, as well as her siblings, Charles Cunningham (Carla) and Melinda Maddox (Bill).  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Vivian Yeilding, Allen Yeilding, Jr., Christopher Yeilding (Elizabeth), Frank Allen Yeilding (Jennifer), Kenneth Ross Gray and 4 great-grandchildren.  Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Gray, her parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Cunningham, and her brother, Brian Cunningham.

Jean was born on November 18, 1937 in Clanton, AL to Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Cunningham. She graduated from Verbena High School and attended the Birmingham Business college for her education.  Jean married Kenneth Gray in 1956 and moved to Florence, AL where they raised their two children, Cindy and Randy.  Jean worked for The Boeing Company in Huntsville and Reynolds Aluminum in the research division in Muscle Shoals.  While living in Florence, Jean was a dedicated member of Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ. After her husband passed away in 1984, Jean moved to Birmingham where she worked at UAB for many years.  Jean was an active member of the Hoover Church of Christ. She always enjoyed crocheting, and in her later life, enjoyed pottery as well as knitting. Jean's family remembers her as determined, strong, independent, and kind.

A graveside service is scheduled for Sunday, March 10th at 2:30pm at Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens (2601 Florence Blvd., Florence, AL 35630).  All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jean's life. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to either of the following:

St. Martin's in the Pines, Development Department, 4941 Montevallo Road, Birmingham, AL 35210 or the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Developmental Dept, Attn: Nicole Boomhover, 300 Snow Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209.  The family would like to thank the amazing staff at St. Martin's in the Pine's Arbor, along with the incredible care and compassion provided by the staff of Compassus Hospice, St. Martin's in the Pines Campus.  Jean's life will be forever cherished.

You are invited to leave condolences at www.elkinsfuneralhome.com .