Jennifer Menser Gray

Jennifer Menser Gray, 42, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on May 2, 2022. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, on January 19, 1980, to Robert and Vicki Gray.

Jennifer grew up in Carmel, Indiana, and played tennis at Carmel High School. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and went on to earn her Juris Doctor degree from NC Central School of Law. She worked as an assistant district attorney for Wake County in Raleigh for nine years, with a focus on prosecuting drug crimes. In 2014, she was honored with a Women of Justice Award for the state of North Carolina. She worked as a guardian ad litem to advocate for children with difficult home situations, and went on to become the lead attorney for the Department of Insurance for North Carolina.

In her late 30s, Jennifer was diagnosed with vision loss due to Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). Adjusting to life with impaired vision was a difficult challenge for Jennifer – but one she faced with bravery and perseverance. She dedicated the last few years of her life to supporting various LHON and disability causes, including the North Carolina chapter of the Federation for the Blind. She fought for representation, resources and support for those who needed it the most.

In her free time, Jennifer enjoyed cooking, doting on her nieces and spending time at the beach with her friends and family. She was a passionate fan of the Tar Heels and could be seen wearing Carolina Blue for every football and basketball game.

Through her career, her advocacy and her personal relationships, Jennifer was dedicated to making the world a safer and kinder place.

Jennifer is survived by her parents, Bob and Vicki Gray; sisters, Lindsay Gritton (husband Jacob Gritton) and Ali Gray (husband Paul Harris); grandmother Dorothy Menser; nieces Carson and Savannah Gritton; and a host of loving family and friends.

A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 12, at 10:30am, at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10655 Haverstick Rd, Carmel, IN, 46033. A burial for close family to follow. All are welcome to join in a Celebration of Life held at Woodland Springs Clubhouse from 2pm – 4pm, at 3535 E 116th St, Carmel, IN 46033.

Memorial contributions may be made to either the LHON Project at UMDF or to the American Heart Association.