Gloria N. Gray

Gloria Nicholson Gray, of Richmond, VA, passed away peacefully in her sleep Tuesday, May 26th, 2026, after a long journey with Alzheimer’s.

She was born Gloria Alfreda Nicholson on July 13, 1955, in Greensville, VA, to Pearly Sr. and Martha Nicholson. Affectionately known as Freda, she was the fourth born of seven children, six girls and one boy.

Gloria’s academic journey began within the Richmond Public School System in Richmond, VA, with her graduating as a Wildcat from Armstrong High School in 1973. She continued her intellectual pursuits where she earned a Bachelor of Art at Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master’s Degree in Education from Averett College.

Gloria began her professional career with Virginia Commonwealth University in the Department of Student Affairs then the Virginia Department of Mental Health Services. After obtaining her degrees and teaching license, Gloria went on to enrich the lives of young children as an art teacher for Richmond Public Schools (RPS) at J.L. Francis Elementary, from 2000 to 2020, passing on her love and passion of arts, crafts and culture to those students under her tutelage while also taking on numerous art projects for her school, RPS and in other volunteer opportunities. During her time as an art teacher, she also served in numerous roles within the Virginia Education Association and Richmond Education Association as a staunch advocate for her fellow educators. Gloria was a dedicated fan of her favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys, and was also a fan of the athletes Mookie Wilson, Freddie Brown and Drew Pearson. She was a lover of music and the arts as she volunteered several years at the Jazz Festival and working with Muzi Branch to highlight artwork around the City of Richmond.

She was preceded in death by her father Pearly Nicholson, Sr and sister Judith Parker (nee’ Nicholson). She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Everett Gray; her only daughter, Zoe Jarrell (Andre), sons Robert Jarrell, Jr. (Jessica) and Evan Gray; Her first born granddaughter with whom she shared a very special bond, Jade Armstrong (Sean), Laila and Robin Jarrell, and Chloe Lee; great granddaughters Kori, Savannah and soon to arrive Ava Armstrong; mother, Martha L. Nicholson; four sisters, Jeanette Ford, Linda Collins (Larry), Phyllis Blackwell, Gale Jordan (Lionel), and her only brother, Pearly Nicholson, Jr. (Sharon); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. 

Professional services entrusted to Walter J. Manning Funeral Home, 700 N. 25th St., where the family will receive friends Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 4 to 6 p.m., and where funeral services will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11 a.m.

Funeral services can be viewed online by selecting the "View Funeral Webcast" link below on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

View Funeral Webcast