Dorothy E. "Dot" (Wiley) Gray

   Dorothy E. "Dot" Gray, 100, formerly of Clayton, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, May 27, 2024 in River Hospital, Alexandria Bay.

   Dorothy was born June 10, 1923 in the town of Orleans, daughter of the late Leland J. and Leta (Bancroft) Wiley. She attended the one room schoolhouse in Fishers Landing for 4 years, and graduated from Clayton Central School in the Class of 1941.

   On November 25, 1942 she married Donald J. Gray, Sr. at Christ Episcopal Church, Clayton. The marriage ended in separation after 30 years and Donald passed away February 28, 2008.

   After graduation she became a Western Union operator in Clayton then Alexandria Bay, and then became a manager of the Carthage office. In 1951 she helped to form Gray's Wholesale with her husband and his parents in the basement of their home. Dorothy operated a tourist home for three years on James St. and one on State St. for several years, both in Clayton. Dorothy then operated "Dot's Motel", formerly Bombards, from 1969 through 1976. The motel was later torn down to make room for the expansion of Gray's Wholesale. After the growth of the business, it became incorporated and she became Vice President and secretary. She and Donald retired from the business in 1988 when her daughter, Laraine, and son, Francis, took over the business.

   Dorothy was a member of the Clayton Women's Bowling League for 2 years, bowling for teams Riverdale Dairies and Gray's Wholesale. She enjoyed crafting, gardening, traveling, reading, and especially spending time with her family. She was a 77 year member of the American Legion Colon Couch Post 821 Auxiliary, holding various positions including President for two years.

   Dorothy is survived by two sons, Francis R. Gray, and Donald J. "Bud" Gray, Jr. and wife Cheryl, all of Clayton; daughter Laraine French and husband Al, Theresa, with whom she resided; 10 grandchildren, Ross Gray, Watertown, Reisha Reider, Clayton, Michael Gray, Clayton, Tonia Stephenson, Watertown, Trina Clouthier, CO, Tavis Gray, Clayton, Tisha Lucidi, Black River, Katie Rouse, Watertown, Nicole Lucidi, Watertown, and Kristina Mellowship, Alexandria Bay; 29 great grandchildren, 11 great great grandchildren, and 4 great great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by 3 brothers, Richard Wiley of Charlotte, NC and Watertown, Lesley Wiley of NYC, and Kenneth Wiley of Watertown; granddaughter Tamby Gray Lindsay; grandson-in-law Robert "Rob" Stephenson; great granddaughter Ashley M. L. Grant; and daughter-in-law Sally Gray.

   The funeral service will be held at Alexandria Bay Baptist Church Tuesday, June 4, at 11 AM followed by burial in Omar Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted with Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Clayton and online condolences to her family may be posted at www.cummingsfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dorothy's name to Hospice of Jefferson County, 1398 Gotham St., Watertown, NY 13601 or Alexandria Bay Baptist Church, 41 Bolton Ave., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607.

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