Pearl O'Dell Gray

Pearl O'Dell Gray of Newport, passed away July 14, 2016 at the Cocke County Convalescent Center surrounded by her loving family. Pearl was a charter member of Providence Baptist Church and retired from Bush Brothers in Dandridge, Tennessee. She was a graduate of Cocke County High School and University of Tennessee and taught elementary school briefly, and was the owner of Jack and Jill Children's dress shop. Pearl loved politics and worked with the Republican Party. She and her late husband "Bill" hosted many parties at their home for Governors, Senators, and Congressmen. Pearl enjoyed attending many Inaugural Balls, and she loved to travel. She was proud to an American and was very patriotic. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim B. and Rillie O'Dell, her soul mate and the love of her life, her husband, Bill Gray; brothers, Harding, J.B., William, and Sam O'Dell; sisters, Mary Murr, Ellie Shropshire, Bonnie Spradling, and Mayme Cobb. She is survived by her loving brother, Tom O'Dell; loving sister, Bessie Justus; and several nieces, nephews, and loyal friends. The family wishes to thank Jabo and Tammy Francis, Smoky Mountain Home Health and Hospice, the excellent nurses and CNAs at Cocke County Convalescent Center, and the many sitters that cared for Pearl in her home. Pearl had the very best care over the last nine years. Thank you to her very special friends, Mary Helen Allen, Diane Arrowood, Lloyd Bryant family, Loretta Webb, and David Bryant, and all of the Bush Brothers Family. She loved you all very much. Dr. James Williams and Charlie Grooms, FNP were so good to her and gave Pearl excellent care and made her laugh. She always looked forward to seeing them. Funeral Services will be at 7:00 pm, Friday, July 15, 2016 in the Manes Funeral Home Chapel with Scott Gorrell officiating. Burial will be at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 16, 2016 in Union Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00 pm on Friday at Manes Funeral Home prior to the funeral services. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to Providence Baptist Church or Alzheimer's Association thru Manes Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the guest register online at www.manesfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Manes Funeral Home.