Annie Jewel (Bailey) Gray

Annie Jewel Bailey Gray of Harleton, Texas, was born on October 20, 1941, to Frank Bailey, Sr. and Reva Edwards. The longtime Longview, Texas, resident passed away on February 25, 2025, at the age of 83.

Annie was a God-fearing woman. At a very early age, she joined the Bear Springs Church of Christ, in Harleton. She later moved to Houston, Texas, and became a member of New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ. Returning to East Texas, she joined the Woodland Hill Church of Christ in Longview, and was an active member of Woodland Hill until her health began to fail.

As a child, Annie attended Valley View schools with a zeal for learning and being a classroom leader. Annie would use her love for the classroom as a guide to hone her skills into one day becoming an educator. Annie was also a great basketball player. At an early age, her early education would mirror her future.

Being a “Daddy’s Girl,” Annie decided to stay close to home and attended Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. Annie was involved in many campus clubs and organizations including being a part of the student-led Civil Rights Movement in Harrison County. The presence of students like Annie during The Movement proved to be beneficial to students at Wiley College and Marshall and Harrison County. It was selfless acts like hers that changed the fabrics of the times. In 1966, Annie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. At a time when most female students sought degrees in education or some other social science, Annie took on the challenge and became one of few female students to earn such a degree.

Immediately after graduating from Wiley, Annie began her teaching career. As a dedicated educator for over 40 years, she touched the lives of countless students and was a mentor to other teachers. During her span as a teacher, she taught physical education, science, health and was a coach. She began her career at Karnack and Terrell independent school districts. Most of her teaching time was at the Pine Tree Independent District. Before her retirement, she last taught at Pine Tree Intermediate School.

During her time teaching, Annie was honored by the American Heart Association for her outstanding contribution in the Fight Against Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention in the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs. She proudly let everyone who would listen know of this achievement.

Annie used humorous, passionate and innovative teaching methods. She was particularly admired by students for her love and affection, all the while still being a disciplinarian. She helped to hone leadership skills in her students and both new and seasoned teachers. One of the last correspondences that Annie received was from a former student who had become a corporate executive that read, “I did it, Ms. Annie. WE DID IT.” This was a proud moment as she was able to see the fruits of her guidance and the impact(s) she made on the lives of her students.

Annie’s hobbies included sports, especially basketball and Stephen Curry; bowling, dancing; cards; and bingo. Annie was a self-proclaimed political pundit. She was entertained and informed by nightly newscasts with her giving her own take on the news at the time. Annie was also a fashionista. Her broad shoulders and height extenuated her beauty and fashion flare.

At the center of Annie’s life was a deep faith, one that not only espoused through perfectly timed words of encouragement or scripture, but she also lived by faith as a servant leader. Her faith was solidified while attending Woodland Hill Church. Annie was passionate about helping others and loved going to church. She was able to recognize, especially young female congregants, that needed a kind word or a flashed smile. She encouraged all she knew to know God and examine “the word.” Annie was a member of the Ladies Ministry and a member of the Woodland Hill Chorus.

Annie leaves an indelible impression on those who called her mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, cousin, friend, sojourner, teacher, and mentor. Annie’s brilliant spirit, radiant smile and compassionate heart captivated everyone who had the chance to know her.

Annie was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Reva Bailey, and brothers Robert Bailey, Ernest Bailey, McKinley Bailey, Lonnie Bailey and John Henry Bailey.

Survivors include her three children, Juanice K. Brice, Hazel L. Gray and Frank Gray (Whitney). Her grandchildren include Lauren A. Brice, Isaiah Richardson, Daryus Gray, Adanus Gray, Adallin Gray and great-grandson Greyson B. McNeal. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Bailey, Jr. Annie’s bonus children include The LeBruces and The Grays with close family friends Carol McNeil and Al Pippins.

Annie's passing has left an enormous hole in the lives of those who love her, but her legacy of love, service, and faith will carry on in the many lives she touched.

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