Bulah “Lael” Barber Gray was born on March 18, 1933, in Leapwood, Tennessee, the eldest child of the late Rudolph and Adelaide Barber. She was united in marriage to Bobby Gene Gray on December 12, 1953, in Corinth, Mississippi.

Lael was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all blessed to know her. She worked at Brown Shoe Factory, owned and operated a beauty salon in her home, and drove a school bus for many years in McNairy County. Lael and Bobby Gene were master gardeners and shared their homegrown vegetables and fruits with many.

Lael departed this life at her home on February 27, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband, Bobby Gene; sons, Bob Gray (Debbie) and Brent Gray (Martha); grandchildren, Kerby Gray, Caroline Gray, and Isabella Gray; sister, Hope Moore (Raybon); brother, Paul Barber (Betsy); and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by three sisters, Debbie White Wise, Linda Burdsall, and Becky Fillingim.

A celebration of life honoring Lael will be held at a later date this spring.