Trina (Wilson) Gray

Trina Renee Wilson was born on August 14, 1959, in Shelby County, Memphis, Tennessee, to Liza Mae Wilson and Willie Mae Smith. Her early years were lovingly shaped by her grandparents, Mary Mae Bush and Erie Bush, who instilled in her the values of faith, family, and compassion that guided her throughout her life.

As a teenager, Trina lovingly cared for her siblings as the oldest of six. She gave them love, support, and guidance—even when it came with a firm but caring hand. Her strength and sense of responsibility became a foundation for the close family bonds that endured throughout her life.

Trina was a proud graduate of Memphis Technical High School. In her early years, she began her professional journey with the Internal Revenue Service, where she served with dedication and pride.

Trina later married Bernard Gray, and with this union, two beautiful daughters were born. Her love for her family was the heartbeat of her life—she nurtured them with wisdom, warmth, and faith.

After raising her daughters, Trina decided to pursue a college education. She graduated from Southwest TN Community College with an Associate in Health Science and then earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Magna Cum Laude, from the University of Memphis, of which she was a proud alumna. She followed her calling into healthcare, serving as a compassionate registered nurse who touched countless lives through her care. After many fulfilling years in nursing, she returned to the Internal Revenue Service, where she completed her career before retiring.

Trina lived a life rooted in love, service, and faith. She found immense joy in cooking and baking for her family and friends—her kitchen was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aroma of her delicious creations. Among her many blessings, Trina most cherished her role as a grandmother. She adored her family deeply, and her love, laughter, and guidance enriched every life she touched.

Trina’s greatest passion was her spiritual walk with God. She joyfully shared her faith with others—spreading the Good Word to family, friends, and even strangers. She loved reading her 1611 King James Version of the Bible, and a few of her favorite readings included passages from Deuteronomy and the Serenity Prayer, which she embraced daily:

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”

The wisdom of the Serenity Prayer finds its reflections in Scripture, including Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:5, and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, reminding us that God’s peace and strength are always sufficient, even in life’s most difficult moments.

Trina always praised God for all the things she had and never complained about what she did not have or want, living a life full of gratitude and contentment.

She will forever be remembered for her joyful sayings, “Alright, Alright, Alright” and “Okay!”—phrases that captured her vibrant and loving spirit. Her family will never forget her “ones and twos,” where she served as the family DJ, aka Smooth Tdawg, filling every gathering with music, laughter, and love.

Towards the end of her life, while battling Stage 4 Breast Cancer, Trina called upon the Lord for strength. One of her final statements was that she was ready to go home with Jesus and her mother. She faced the end of her earthly journey with courage and peace, unafraid to leave this world for the forever home God had promised her.

On Sunday, November 9, 2025, Trina departed this earthly life and entered her forever home with her Lord and Savior. Though she is no longer with us in body, her faith, joy, and light continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy of love will remain an everlasting blessing.

Trina leaves to cherish her memory her two daughters, Jennifer Ashley Gray of Starkville, MS, and Kandis Renee (Carlos) Gray-Gomez of Memphis, TN; three sisters, Daphne Smith of Memphis, TN, Karen Bailey of Memphis, TN, and Jennifer (Bobby) Bailey-Rowsey; one brother, Victor Bailey of Denver, CO; eight grandchildren, Amauri Reese Gray, Aysha Gray, Aubrey Jones, Hendrix Gomez, Amaia Jones, Leo Gomez, Mario Gomez, and Phoenix Gomez; her fur baby grandsons, Titan and Rambo; and a host of aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Liza Mae Wilson and Willie Mae Smith; her grandparents, Mary Mae Bush, Erie Bush, Rosie Lee Wilson, Teldo Pettis, Sr., and Mable Pettis; her brother, Harold Bailey; her nephew, Shaun Bailey; and her beloved dog, Piper.