Grieving over Grace who '¨was '˜so loved '¨by everyone'

In happier times - David Gray is congratulated by his proud mother Grace after netting a hat-trick. David's parents Grace and Irwin were regulars at Town's matches to support their son and his team-mates.

Well-known and loved in the area for her work with children in local pre-schools and in Donaghcloney Presbyterian Boy’s Brigade, Grace was the dearly loved wife of Irwin, beloved mother of David and Christopher and dear daughter of Maebelle and the late Trevor Hilary.

Grace was also a popular supporter of Banbridge Town Football Club, where her son David played.

Paying tribute at the funeral service in Donacloney Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 22, Rev Adrian Moffett spoke of the name Grace’s parents had given her and of how fitting it was of her character.

Just as God’s grace is about undeserved kindness, so too, said Rev Moffett, Grace’s ‘amazing’ kindness and beauty were apparent in her life.

“Every child was drawn to her,” he said. “They instinctively recognised in her someone they could trust and feel safe with.

“It was this quality that made her a very popular and much-loved auntie.”

Grace’s sisters spoke of her as someone ‘so loved by everybody’ and ‘so proud of both her boys, David and Chris, academically and in all their different achievements’.

Banbridge Town Football Club also paid tribute to Grace.

Posting on social media they said: “Banbridge Town Football Club are very saddened to learn of the passing of Grace Gray, who lost her brave battle with cancer. Beloved mother of David and Chris and wife of Irwin; a devoted mother and wife and great supporter and friend of BTFC.

“Such a pleasant young lady, thoughts and prayers with the family. So sad, such a beautiful person, gone too soon.”

Murat Ruth Hamilton Yildiz said: “I’m so sad to hear the loss of a friend and neighbour Grace. We grew up together through schools and then as neighbours. I just can’t believe that such a young person be taken from us. My thoughts are with her family at this time.”

Malachy Wilson said: “Thoughts and prayers to the Gray family on the immense loss of Grace. A wonderful lady and great supporter of BTFC. Words are inadequate at this sad time.”

Michelle Bell said: “So shocked and saddened to hear this news, Grace was a lovely person. My thoughts are with her family.”

Donna Edgar said: “I can’t quite believe this. I worked with Grace a few years ago and she was such a lovely, caring and beautiful lady! So sad to hear this news.”

Ryan Evans said: “So, so sad. Grace was a very lovely woman!”

Dianne Taylor said: “So sad. Used to have great craic with her in the shop, she was so funny and beautiful.”

Anthony Blacky Blackburn said: “Can’t express my feeling for Davy to loss a parent, no-one can, all I can say I’ve been there at his age so my heart, thoughts and prayers goes out to him and the family, stay strong wee man.”

Donations if desired may be made for Mandeville Unit Craigavon Hospital c/o Malcomsons Funeral Service, 7 Robert Street, Lurgan BT66 8BE.

Safe In The Arms Of Jesus.