Leona Gray was born on February 17, 1932, in Gastonia, North Carolina, to the late
Walter Young and Daisy Young-Carter. She was raised alongside her siblings Carl
Young, Fred Young, and the late Alvin Young.
At the age of nine, Leona relocated from Gastonia to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where
she continued her education in the Philadelphia School System. She graduated from
Simon Gratz High School, marking the beginning of a lifelong connection to the city she
would call home.
Leona accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized on July 23, 1945, at the age
of thirteen at Faith Baptist Church. She later joined Mount Carmel Baptist Church,
where she faithfully served for many years. Her dedication to the church led her to
become a Trustee Aide, a role she carried out with quiet commitment and grace.
Leona began her professional life working in sales and stock at Sears and Roebuck on
the Boulevard in Philadelphia. She later embarked on a long and distinguished career
with the City of Philadelphia, where she was a valued employee for many years. Leona
retired as a supervisor from the Philadelphia Quarter Sessions Court. During her early
years with the city, she also enjoyed fellowship and recreation as a member of the City
Bowling League.
On April 28, 1990, Leona married Charles Gray. Together they shared a loving union
until his passing. Leona was a devoted mother to her two children, Angela C. Richie and
Jonathan K. Young, and took immense pride in her role as a grandmother and great-
grandmother.
Leona was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
Known for her intelligence and soft-spoken nature, she carried herself with dignity and
warmth. She enjoyed keeping up with current events in Philadelphia and around the
world and was always supportive and encouraging to those around her. A beautiful
woman inside and out, Leona loved the Lord deeply and cherished her family above all
else. Her kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing
her.
Leona Gray transitioned peacefully from this life on December 19, 2025, at Bryn Mawr
Village Skilled Nursing Facility in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Young and Daisy Young-Carter; her
brother, Alvin Young; her husband, Charles Gray; and her sister-in-law, Louella Young.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Angela C. Richie; her son, Jonathan K.
Young; her brothers, Carl Young and Fred Young; her grandson, Marcus Richie; her
granddaughter, Michelle Blackwell (Suni); her great-grandchildren Ayana Blackwell,
Amare Blackwell, Isabelle Richie, and Isaiah; as well as a host of loving nieces,
nephews, cousins, and friends.
Her memory will forever remain in our hearts. We are grateful for the time we shared
with her and for the love, wisdom, and lessons she imparted to us all.
