Enid Maurine Gray quietly passed away in Houston on 21 June 2008.
The only child of the late Dr. and Mrs. Willis James Gray, she was born in Galveston Texas. Shortly before her third birthday, Dr. Gray accepted a position as family physician at the then Magnolia refinery and moved his family to Beaumont where they lived until 1955 when Dr. Gray accepted a position with the VA Hospital and the family moved to Shreveport, La. After high school graduation, she continued her education, receiving her BA from Northeast Louisiana, Monroe, La, and her MLS from The University of North Texas, Denton,Tx.
She was employed by the City of Beaumont, Texas from June 20, 1966 until her retirement, November 30, 2006, as Director of Libraries and at various times Director of Community Services.
Maurine was known for her professional work. Over 40 years she enhanced the local and state library systems. She has been honored may times, including election to membership in Beta Phi Mu, the International Library Science Honor Society. She served as president of the Rotary Club of Beaumont, president of Beaumont Public Schools Foundation and president of Foundation for Southeast Texas.
Miss Gray's tenacious efforts led to a new main library and four branch libraries in Beaumont, as well as the completion of Tyrrell Historical Library restoration.
Maurine leaves no living relatives, but many dear friends whom she adopted as family. She was never just a member of a group, but always a worker who inspired others. Those wishing to make donations instead of sending flowers may consider donations to the Foundation for Southeast Texas, a community foundation, serving Hardin, Jefferson and Orange counties, or the charity of their choice.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at First United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under the direction of Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin, Beaumont. Serving as pallbearers will be Frank Daleo, Kyle Hayes, Richard LeBlanc, David Roush, Paul Roush, and Pete Sheldon. A gathering of her extended family and friends will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, at the Mortuary.
