Willie Gray Quattlebaum

The breath of life flowed through Willie Gray Graham Quattlebaum on July20, 1941 in Kingston, North Carolina to her proud parents the late Isiah Graham and Maggie Lee Graham.

In the late 1940's, the Graham family relocated to Albany, NY, where Willie-Gray received her primary and secondary education in the public school system. During her high school years, she enjoyed playing softball and was a cheerleader during school sporting events.

While visiting a park the lovely Willie Gray caught the eye of the late Louis Quattlebaum. An ensuing courtship began in May of 1959 and was taken a step higher when the lovely couple were united in holy matrimony on July 29, 1972. Their union lasted for thirty-two wonderful years. Her family blossomed with three daughters: Selena Graham, Maxine Louise Quattlebaum-Martin and Robin Ann Quattlebaum, who she cherished.

Willie Gray began her employment as a machine tool operator for the department of the Army, Watervliet Arsenal, Watervliet, NY. She was promoted as a secretary and during her long years of service at the Watervliet Arsenal, she received numerous awards and accolades for her impeccable task of the building of military cannons, her dedication to professionalism and her participation during federal women's week. After many years, she retired from the Watervliet Arsenal, which then afforded her time to take up bowling.

Gray was good at fixing things with her hands, and was a stickler at keeping things neat and orderly. She loved to sew items by hand, opened her home to entertain family and friends, loved to travel with her husband Louis, outings with her children at the drive-ins, parks as well as numerous road trips and spending time with her grandchildren. Willie Gray's life was spiritually grounded and she was baptized on March 8, 1952 at St. Joseph Church, Albany, NY. In the mid 1970's she became an ardent member of the Church of God and Saints of Christ, Eighth Tabernacle Beth El Albany, NY.

ST. Willie Gray was a faithful and active member of Eighth Tabernacle Beth El Albany, NY, by supporting the Daughters of Jerusalem and Sisters of Mercy many endeavors, assisted the local tabernacle trustee board and the religious education department by teaching inspirational classes and she was a key contributor of funds donated for the purchase of the tabernacle building on Jay Street, Albany, NY.

After a long bout of illness on January 19, 2017, the creator kissed her lips and called His child and faithful servant, St. Willie Gray Graham Quattlebaum, home to be with Him.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her mother Maggie Lee Graham; three daughters Selena Graham (Baltimore, MD), Maxine L. Quattlebaum-Martin and Robin A. Quattlebaum, both of (Albany, NY); stepchildren: Cecelia Jackson, Malinda Quattlebaum (Troy, NY), Joseph L. Quattlebaum (Los Angeles, CA) and Dean Quattlebaum (Troy, NY); brothers and sisters; Sam Wright (Albany, NY), Dean Rowlett (Brenda) (Albany, NY), Robert Graham (Middletown, CT) and Bettylou Graham (Albany, NY); brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Rosalie Lewis, Deacon James Quattlebaum, Simuel Quattlebaum and Mary Quattlebaum all of (Albany, NY); grandchildren: Nefertari Johnson (Baltimore, MD), Dwayne E. Lee Jr., Scott Miller, Earl A. Frazier, Marco L. Q. Frazier, Everett Tune Jr., Elshaprione Richardson and Nyraya S. Bethee all of (Albany, NY); six great grandchildren; dear friends: Ethel James (Colonie, NY) and Marcia Coleman (Albany, NY), and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Some of the immediate late family members waiting to greet her include her father Isiah Graham; her beloved spouse Louis Quattlebaum, her sister Francis Mae Graham Hector and her brother Larry Charleston.

St. Willie Gray's caring spirit and deeds of kindness touched many of our lives. We will always cherish her memory.