Mary Magdalene Grayson was the oldest of four siblings born to Josephine (DeBouse) Mosley and Jimmie Mosley on July 20, 1923 in Pierce, Oklahoma. Mary was affectionately called “Darlene” by her family and friends. Her parents and brothers John L., Earl, and Theodore preceded her in death.

She grew up in the Pierce-Warrior Community and attended the Warrior Elementary School. She attended the Rentiesville High School in Rentiesville, Oklahoma.

She united in marriage to McKinley “Joe” Grayson and to this union five children were born. One died in infancy.

Mary accepted Christ as her Savior at a young age and was baptized and became a member of the Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church where she was faithful until her death. At Mt. Olive Star she served in many capacities. She taught Sunday School for many years. She was an active member of the missionary society. She was a faithful attendee of Wednesday night prayer service-Bible study.

Darlene enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, and raising chickens. She enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Darlene had a quiet demeanor but she loved being involved in her community. She was a member of the McIntosh County NAACP and The Warrior School Restoration organization.

She was a virtuous woman as in Proverbs 31. She cared for her husband and children. She was kind to her friends and neighbors. She feared and trusted in the Lord. Her favorite scripture was Psalm 103. She would read and recite it every day.

She will be remembered by her daughters: Margaret (Curtis) Woodfork, Muskogee, OK, Alma (Samuel) Harper, Eufaula, OK., Lois Grayson, Muskogee, OK. Son: Homer Grayson, Oklahoma City, OK. Twenty-one grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and numerous great-great grandchildren. Aunts: Anna Bush, Oklahoma City, OK., and Willie M. Etheridge, Checotah, OK. Sisters-in-Laws: Jessie Mosley, Carson, CA., Irma Mosley, Omaha, NE, Kelley Martin, MO., and Brenda Williams, Omaha, NE. Ten Nieces and six nephews, and a host of cousins and friends.

Homegoing services for Mary will be held today at 2:00 P.M. at Mt. Olive Star Baptist Church, whith Rev. Samuel Cunningham, officiating. She will rest eternally in Warrior Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Ragsdale Funeral Center.

Ragsdale Funeral Center