Ann & Moses Gray

Throughout their lives, Moses William Gray, Jr., 85, and Ann Marie Powell Gray, 79, of Indianapolis, Ind., demonstrated the love of Christ and their love for each other as a married couple who didn’t cease in serving their family, friends, church, and community.

As they were throughout their lives, Moses and Ann were inseparable. Just weeks after Moses passed on Feb. 6, 2023, Ann also gained her wings to be with the Lord — on March 13, 2023, after a brief illness.
Although this couple were born nearly 1,000 miles apart — Moses in Goochland, Va., and Ann in Doddsville, Miss., they found their way to each other in Indiana, where they both attended Indiana University. They married on Nov. 22, 1962, and settled in Indianapolis, where many people were blessed by their servant hearts and tremendous faith.

In their professional careers, the Grays excelled with their God-given gifts. After graduating from college, Moses was drafted by both the NFL’s New York Giants and American Football League’s New York Jets. He played two seasons with the Jets. After his football career he remained active in the Indiana University community as a member of the I Association, and as chairman for IU’s Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center.

He went on to serve as a business leader in the automotive industry for General Motors, starting his 30-plus year career as an inspector and rising through the ranks to general superintendent before his retirement in 1992.
Ann worked as a Customer Service Representative for Indiana Bell/Verizon/Frontier Communications, and tapped into her entrepreneur skills for Mary Kay, reaching many milestones with the company before retiring after more than 20 years.

The couple were active members of Light of the World Christian Church for more than 50 years, with Moses serving in various capacities, including on the church’s finance committee and joining his wife in supporting other couples through the marriage ministry.

The Grays also were dedicated to finding homes for African American children in desperate need of adoptive parents.

During their spare time, Moses and Ann were poured into their community through volunteerism, advocacy, fundraising, and leadership.

Moses’ many milestones included being a founding member of 100 Black Men of America, Inc., and the founder of the Homes for Black Children and 100 Black Men of Indianapolis, Inc. He also served as Past President of the Indianapolis Chapter of the NAACP. At the national level, Moses served as secretary of 100 Black Men of America, Inc. for eight years.

Ann was a member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Indianapolis Chapter, and “Angel to the Gents.” She also served on the YMCA board of directors, and as a member of the Links, Inc., Indianapolis chapter.

Moses and Ann also enjoyed hosting family gatherings, and traveling throughout the United States and the world. On many occasions, family members and friends accompanied them in their motorhome to visit others or just to share a great vacation.

Moses and Ann will be deeply missed. They leave to cherish their memory, son, William ‘Bill’ Gray (Jerlyn Rogers ); Ann’s brothers, William Tower Powell and Glenn Lance Powell, and Lawrence B. (Carolyn) Powell; son-in-law, Ronald Brown; brothers-in-law, James Louis Tyler Moses’ brother: Ralph (Virginia) Gray; and sister, Ida Wynetta Gray Hampton; two devoted nieces, LaRushia “Cookie” Jones and LeWana Britt, who have been by their side for 16 years; and sister/cousin, Judy Driver, who devoted many years to Ann’s life and wellbeing; Ann Cox, Family Assistant/Housekeeper for over 42 years; grandchildren, Aaron Brown, Maria Brown, Kayla Gray, William Gray, Qishana Gray, Jasmine Gray, Kieno Scott and DeAndre Davis; and three great-grandchildren, Indie Brown, Kashton Gray and Kendrick Gray; and exchange students who became family, Carlos (Mila) Machado and Vicki (Kim) Bruen, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, the many family, friends, and community members who were touched by their love, dedication, and service throughout their lives.

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