Dr. Peggy Louise Byers Gray

Peggy Louise Byers Gray, 90, of Statesville, NC, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Born on December 26, 1935, to the late Archie Vance Byers and the late Cleo Louise Johnson Byers, Peggy was the oldest of six siblings. After graduating from Scotts High School, she enrolled in Mitchell College, then went on to Mars Hill College and Catawba College, earning her BS in Home Economics.

On November 19, 1955, Peggy married her true love, James “Reid” Gray. She thrived in her position as a home extension agent in Alexander County, which she enjoyed for several years. As their four children were growing up, Peggy continued her college coursework and embarked on a long and rewarding career in education. She enjoyed teaching at Troutman Elementary, Celestes Henkel, Sharon Elementary, and thereafter became Iredell County’s Reading Coordinator. She obtained her master’s degree in education from UNC-Charlotte, then went on to serve as principal at Amity Hill, Ebenezer, Wayside and Northview Schools. Peggy completed her education in 1987 when she earned her Doctor of Education degree from UNC-Greensboro.

Peggy was a passionate, active member of New Sterling ARP Church and of her denomination, serving as president of First Presbyterial ARP Women’s Ministries. Church leadership roles included Sunday School Superintendent, WOC president, Sunday School and Sunday Evening teacher, VBS Director, Christian Education chairman, VBS Director, and choir member.

She loved her community and left her mark here, as well, as she served on the boards of Mitchell Community College and Iredell Citizens for Education. Also, she enjoyed active membership in Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority, Town and Country Garden Club, and Statesville Altrusa Club. However, her greatest mark is left on her family, as we will cherish her love forever, thanking our God for every remembrance of her.

Peggy was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, J. Reid Gray, on November 22, 2022. She is survived by her children, Kitzi Gray Emery (Frank) of Statesville, James “Jimmy” Reid Gray, Jr. (Amanda) of Stony Point, Andrew “Andy” Van Gray (Amy) of Stony Point, and Carmon “Kirk” Gray (Ellen) of Apex; grandchildren, Gray Franklin Emery (Faith) of Statesville, Davis Charles Emery (Haley) of Raleigh, Maggie Louise Emery of Charlotte, Rachel Catherine Gray, Laurel MaLynn Gray and John Roby Gray of Stony Point, Connell Nathan Gray and Alexandra Elizabeth Gray of Apex; great-grandchildren, Gemma Grace Emery of Statesville, Carson Elizabeth, Kitzi Charlotte and Patricia Kate Emery of Raleigh.

In addition to her husband, Peggy was preceded in death by her mother, Cleo Johnson Byers, her father, Archie Vance Byers, her sister, Patsy Byers DeJarnette, and her sister, JoAnn Byers Morrison.

She is survived by her brothers, Doyte Byers of Stony Point and Dale Byers (Joyce) of Tampa, FL, and her sister, Brenda Byers Stewart, and a brother-in-law, Curtis Wayne Morrison of Statesville. Peggy’s family by marriage, she is also survived by her sister-in-law, Philis Gray Joyner (Henry), and her sister-in-law, Shirley Gray Goodman (John).

A Celebration of Life Service for Peggy Gray will be held at New Sterling ARP Church on Saturday, April 4 at 11:00 am with receiving at 10:00 am prior to the service. A graveside service will follow.

The family requests that gifts be made to New Sterling ARP Church, 580 New Sterling Road, Stony Point, NC 28678.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Peggy Gray.