Bernice Gray, age 97 of Leslie, Arkansas died on Friday, March 29, 2024 at Ozark Health Nursing and Rehab in Clinton, Arkansas. She was born in Leslie, Arkansas on August 20, 1926 to George Brooks and Flossie Leslie Brooks.

She was a fourth-generation member of the founding fathers of Leslie, Arkansas. She lived there her entire life. She was a strong Christian lady and enjoyed attending church. She was a dedicated homemaker and no matter what her hand found to do it was with her children and family in mind. She was an excellent cook, and enjoyed sewing and quilting. She and Rufus raised a large garden and liked to show off their bountiful harvest. Family always came first to Bernice and her gentle presence will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include her sons, Sergal Lewis (Bonnie) of Marshall, Willis Lewis (Phyllis) of Leslie, and Noel Lewis of Leslie; daughter-in-law, Karen Lewis of Leslie; one daughter, Janice Lewis of Leslie; grandchildren, Lucinda Lewis of Marshall, Rebecca Lewis of Marshall, Andrew Lewis of Leslie, Sheila Payne (Johnny) of Leslie, Lori Short of Marshall, Bernice Reves (Jarrett) of Chimes, Kevin Lewis (Jacquelyn) of Leslie, Amanda Lewis of Leslie, Bryan Lewis of Leslie, Ashley Paullin (Dean) of Alread, Akela Bower of Heber Springs and Aretha Kilgore (Ron) of Harrison; great-grandchildren, Syndey (Dean), Bethany, Evan (Laicee), Andrew, Luke (Elizabeth), Matthew, Ressie (Tamos), Rebecca (Justin), Riley (Aldrich), Dalton, Kylie, Bailey, Carissa, Logan, Gavin, Morgan (Dillon), Jackson and Arpie; great-great grandchildren, Coy, Jonah, Myla, Naomi, Nile, Atticus, Bennett, Maverick, Madden, Luka and Connor; and many nieces, nephews and extended family who will also mourn her passing.

She is preceded in death by her parents, George and Flossie Brooks; husband, Rufus Gray who passed way in 2017; 1st husband and the father of her children, Rochester Lewis; son, Jimmie Lewis; great-great grandchild, Memphis Whitbey; daughter-in-law, Sharon Lewis; six brothers; and two sisters.

Funeral services for her were 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Roller-Coffman Chapel in Marshall, Arkansas with Bro. Chris Reade officiating. Special music was performed by Aretha Kilgore and Lorene Eaton. Visitation was 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. preceding the service. Burial was in Shady Grove Cemetery. Friends and family served as pallbearers.