Eva M. Gray, 83

DOVER - Eva M. Gray, of Dover, died Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2006, in her home. She was 83.

Mrs. Gray was born June 26, 1923, in Hillsboro, Md., daughter of the late John Henry and Ida Mae (MacMullen) States.

She worked in the packing department of Playtex, Dover, for 33 years, retiring in 1988.

Mrs. Gray and her husband owned harness race horses in the 1990s. She enjoyed playing the slots at Dover Downs and Midway Slots, and going to the horse races. She was an avid bowler who also enjoyed crocheting and dancing, but most of all spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, William Gray, in 2004; a daughter and a son-in-law, Janice and Marvin Kemp, and a grandson, all in 1993; five brothers, Earl States, Irving States, Wilson States, Carlton States and Frances States; and a sister, Mary States.

She is survived by three sons and three daughters-in-law, Peter Richard and Toni Gray of Magnolia, Edward and N. Jean Kelley of Laurel and George Nuttle and Carla Kelley of Hunton, Texas; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Joyce Faye and Thomas "T.J." Harris of Panama City, Fla., Judy and Wilburn Hester of Alabaster, Ala., Rhonda O. and Donald W. Long of Felton and Ida M. Kelley of Dover; two brothers, John Henry States Jr. of Harrington and Dawson Carey States of Tucson, Ariz.; four sisters and a brother-in-law, Dora Margaret Jump of Easton, Md., Gladys Marion Salisbury of Easton, Martha Marie Schaffer of Denton, Md., and Audrey Mae and Albert Schmidt of Denton; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services will be noon today in Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Del. 10), Dover, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 92 Reads Way, Suite 205, New Castle, DE 19720; or Delaware Hospice, 911 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.