Gaynelle Ellis Carley Gray passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10th, 2026, in Guthrie, Oklahoma, at the age of 97. Her life was marked by unwavering love for her family, deep faith, enduring strength, and a joyful spirit that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Gaynelle Ellis was born on July 14, 1928, in Hobart, Oklahoma, to James "Jimmie" Ellis and Minnie Brannon Ellis. She attended Consolidated 8 School for ten years and graduated from Mountain Park High School in 1945. That same year, she married Otto Wendell Carley of Mountain Park, Oklahoma, and together they built a loving home and raised three children.

Gaynelle possessed a remarkable determination and devotion to education and family. She was a strong supporter for Otto through dental school in Memphis, Tennessee, working to help build the foundation for their future together. The family then settled in Lawton, Oklahoma, where Otto established his dental practice. Never one to stop learning or growing, Gaynelle returned to college herself and graduated from Cameron University in 1971. She went on to teach school in Lawton for thirteen years, shaping young lives with kindness, patience, and wisdom. She was also an active member of the Junior League of Lawton. Otto passed away in 1983, a loss she carried with grace and resilience.

In 1985, Gaynelle married Thomas Franklin Gray, and together they made their home in Lewisville, Texas. There, Gaynelle embraced yet another chapter of life with enthusiasm. She earned her real estate license and enjoyed a successful career in real estate for several years. Her love of music and performance blossomed as she earned the cherished title of "Ms. Texas Senior America 1992" with her rendition of a Patsy Cline song. She sang in numerous Texas country and bluegrass opries and generously shared her talent by performing for retirement and assisted living communities, bringing joy and comfort to many. Tom passed away in 2000.

Gaynelle's adventurous spirit carried her across the world throughout her life. As her children's lives and careers took them abroad to Cameroon, West Africa; West Germany; South Korea; Malaysia; and The Netherlands, she delighted in traveling to visit them and exploring along the way. No matter where life led her family, Gaynelle made every place feel like home with her warmth, laughter, and loving presence.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmie and Minnie Ellis; her husband, Dr. Otto Carley; her husband, Thomas Gray; and her stepson, Nathan Gray.

Those left to honor and cherish her memory are her son, Dr. James Carley and wife Rita of Stillwater, Oklahoma; and her daughters, Cathryn Carley Franks and husband General (Ret.) Tommy of Roosevelt, Oklahoma, and Caryn Carley Maher and husband Thomas of Austin, Texas. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Jason Carley and wife Dr. Erin of Mannford, Oklahoma; Jacqueline Franks and husband Lieutenant General (Ret.) Patrick of Alexandria, Virginia; Andrea Carley Wilson and husband Jodie of Stillwater, Oklahoma; Tara Maher of Austin, Texas; and Killian Maher of Austin, Texas. Her legacy continues through her eight treasured great-grandchildren, who lovingly knew her as "Little Gran," as well as her brother, Don Brannon Ellis and wife Janice of Roosevelt, Oklahoma. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Gary Gray and wife Jenelle of Edmond, Oklahoma, Stanley Gray of Omaha, Nebraska, Larry Gray and wife Wina of Enid, Oklahoma, and Renee Gray and husband Wes Franklin of Wichita, Kansas, and family members who loved her dearly.

Above all else, Gaynelle's family was the center of her world and the greatest joy of her life. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, compassion, patriotism, perseverance, music, and unconditional love. Her gentle spirit and radiant smile, will be profoundly missed, but the love she gave to others will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Gaynelle was a faithful life-long member of the church of Christ and most recently Stillwater Church of Christ. She was also a courageous long-time cancer survivor and greatly enjoyed the friendships and activities she shared at Golden Oaks Retirement Village in Stillwater.

A private family burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Lawton, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson's Alliance of Oklahoma or to a charity of your choice.