Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

April 8, 2026

CHARLOTTE - Barbara Brookshire Gray (83) passed away peacefully on April 8, 2026, surrounded by love. She was born to Mary Wilda Weaver and Walter Boyd Brookshire in Maryville, Tennessee, and spent her childhood in both Tennessee and Eastern North Carolina.

Barbara graduated from Ahoskie High School and Meredith College, later earning her Master’s degree in Mathematics from University of Charleston in West Virginia. She carried her love of learning throughout her life, always curious, always thoughtful, and always ready to share what she knew.

On March 28, 1964, Barbara married the love of her life, Wallace Thomas (Tom) Gray, Jr. She cherished telling stories from their 62 wonderful years together—stories of the frightening car accident early in their marriage, the many places they made into homes, and the adventures they shared around the world. Barbara told these stories often, and with such joy, that hearing them more than once became part of her charm. Tom delighted in treating her to the finer things in life, and together they loved attending art auctions in New Orleans. Barbara was always impeccably dressed, and if anyone ever had an etiquette question, she was the one to ask; she had those books memorized.

Barbara is preceded in death by her parents and her sister‑in‑law, Linda Dare Gray Perry.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Tom; her sister, Beverly Marie Brookshire; her niece, Amanda Albert Castellucci, and Amanda’s husband, Kevin Edward Castellucci; her great‑nephew, Benicio Miguel Castellucci; her great‑niece, Olivia Constance Castellucci; and her brother‑in‑law, Randy Perry. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins across the United States.

Barbara and her family extend heartfelt gratitude to her large care team at Stewart Healthcare Center at The Cypress for the love, dignity, and compassion they showed her. She leaves this world at peace knowing that Tom will continue to receive the same exceptional care. Barbara will be deeply missed by her family and by her dear friends, Brook Smith, Regina Pains & family, and Shauna Moore, who brought her comfort, laughter, and companionship.

Services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.