Alisa Faye Gray

Alisa Gray was born to Marcia Joann Amos and William Bernard Amos I in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she was raised and lived her entire life. She professed her faith in Christ at an early age, joining the fellowship of New Light Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Ananias Robinson in the early 1970s. For decades, Alisa faithfully served in the choir, her voice a key part of the church’s ministry, even as her health later prevented her from singing. Despite those challenges, her praise for the Lord never ceased. Alisa met Marcus Gray through her sister Renita while working at the beauty shop, where she was also the hair washer. Swept off her feet during their first interaction, their relationship flourished throughout their courtship, and on June 29, 1985, Alisa and Marcus were wed at New Light Missionary Baptist Church among family and friends. From their loving union, they had one child, Candice Gray, who bore witness and experienced the love between them in the 36 years they were married. Alisa and Marcus were the love of each other’s lives and even after the Lord called Marcus home in October 2022, Alisa’s love for him continued until they were reunited. In her early years, Alisa attended School #24 and School #75 before graduating from George Washington High School. Alongside her love for singing, was her passion for cooking, which became the focus of her career. She began working at Church’s Chicken and later took on the role of a cook at Riley Hospital. Her dedication to serving others led her to a long career managing cafeteria kitchens in Indianapolis Public Schools, including Shortridge Middle School, Northwest High School, and School 61. Alisa’s culinary skills touched countless lives during her years of service, where she took pride in cooking and sharing her meals with anyone that was hungry or just wanted a plate. Although forced into early retirement due to a diagnosis of lung fibrosis that rendered her unable to work, Alisa remained a steadfast source of love and care for those around her and continued to demonstrate her culinary skills in the many weddings she catered over the years. In addition to her passions for cooking and praise, Alisa was also known for her gift in braiding hair and for her role as a church historian, creating lasting memories with her recordings of church services and musicals, which she often shared at gatherings she loved to host. Every gift she had been blessed with touched the lives of so many, which is why she was lovingly called Auntie Lisa. She was a hardworking, caring soul who never complained, regardless of her health struggles. Her resilient spirit and unwavering faith were an inspiration to everyone who knew her because through everything, she continued to praise the Lord. She loved to listen and provide encouragement to others along their journey. A very special place in her heart was reserved for her grandson, Jeremiah, whom she introduced to legos, igniting his passion to build and create. She was incredibly proud of him and eagerly shared these moments with those close to her. Her involvement sparked his curiosity and adventurous spirit, leaving a lasting impression on his future—just as she has done for so many others throughout her time on Earth. Alisa was preceded in death by her husband, Marcus Lee Gray, her parents, Marcia Joann Lyons and William B. Amos I, her sister, Renita Yvette Amos-Kimbrough, and her God-daughter, Mary Lou Allen. Alisa is survived by her daughter, Candice Gray, her grandson, Jeremiah Kimbrough, God-daughters Precious Cooper, Michelle Cooper-Keita, Lashawna Roberts, and Raychell Abron, her brothers, William Bernard Amos II (Fay) and Jeffery Stovall (Rebecca), God-sisters Terri Branson and Jewell Robinson, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, both blood and non-blood related, who will miss her dearly.

Alisa Faye Gray

November 30, 1960 - September 14, 2024