Marilyn Algren Gray
Marilyn Gray, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2026, after eighty-three years of life filled with faith, joy, and love.
Born on August 22, 1942, in New Carlisle, Ohio, to Fred and Glenna Algren, Marilyn was the fourth of six children and grew up on a farm, where her early years were shaped by family, hard work, deep-rooted values and a quiet, enduring faith in Jesus Christ. Marilyn attended Tecumseh High School and later Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky. While at Asbury, she met the love of her life, Larry Gray. They were married in August 1963 and shared a devoted partnership that spanned more than six decades.
After graduating from college in 1964, Marilyn began her elementary teaching career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she & Larry lived for fifteen years. Following three years of teaching, she joyfully stepped away from the classroom for eleven years to devote herself to raising their three children—Beth, Philip, and Pam.
In January 1979, the Gray family moved to Cary, North Carolina, where Marilyn resumed her teaching career and made a lasting impact on generations of students. Marilyn taught at Poe Elementary School and Farmington Woods Elementary School, but she spent the majority of her 32-year teaching career at Penny Road Elementary School, where she taught first grade and was especially known for her passion for early literacy.
Marilyn was a gifted and deeply loved teacher, admired by both students and parents. She was twice named Teacher of the Year at Penny Road Elementary School and was nominated multiple times for Wake County Teacher of the Year. Her creativity, dedication, and genuine love for children were evident in the countless hours she spent preparing lessons and grading papers, and in the thoughtful care she gave to each student. She retired in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in education.
In retirement, Marilyn fully embraced life as a wife, grandmother, and active church member. She treasured time with her ten grandchildren—whether visiting them in New Jersey, Georgia, and Cary, or reading to them when they were young. She enjoyed long walks, cherished family time, and especially loved the annual July family trips to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Marilyn was a follower of Jesus Christ and a devoted member of Shepherd’s Church, where she faithfully served for many years on the Wednesday Family Night meal preparation team and helped with childcare for the weekly ESL program. For thirteen years, she and Larry shared a love of adventure, traveling together throughout North Carolina and beyond on their Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
Marilyn was also known for her hospitality and her cooking. Family and friends fondly remember her homemade applesauce and her famous apple pie, as well as the many holiday meals she lovingly prepared and hosted.
Marilyn will be remembered for her unwavering love for her family, her lifelong dedication to children and education, her quiet faith, and her generous, servant-hearted spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love, learning, and faith that will continue to shape the lives of all who knew her.
Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents Fred and Glenna Algren, her sister Wilma Blackstock and brother David Algren.
Marilyn is survived by her husband of 62 years, Larry Gray of Cary, North Carolina, who faithfully and lovingly cared for Marilyn in their home throughout her twelve-year journey with Alzheimer’s disease.
Marilyn is also survived by her children Beth Canterberry (Scott) of Stockton, New Jersey; Philip Gray (Heather) of Cary, North Carolina; and Pam Matthews (Jason) of Watkinsville, Georgia; her grandchildren Chandler Gray (Lucy) of Brooklyn, New York; Tyler Canterberry (Lauren) of Fayetteville, Georgia, and their daughter Piper; Justin Canterberry of Stockton, New Jersey; Luke Gray (Sara) of Augusta, Georgia; Brendan Canterberry (Kayley) of Jupiter, Florida; Caison Gray of Durham, North Carolina; Jordan, Sam, Josh, and Tucker Matthews of Watkinsville, Georgia.
Lastly, Marilyn is survived by her brother Dale Algren (Donna) of New Carlisle, Ohio; her sister Beverly Pitcher (Tom) of Franklin, Indiana; and her sister Rachel Hollingsworth of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Virginia Morton and brother-in-law James Morton of Concord, North Carolina, and her sister-in-law Gladys Gray of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 11:00 a.m. in the Shepherd’s Church Parlor in Cary, North Carolina. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend. Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the service. After the service, please join us from 12:00–1:00 pm. for an informal time to share memories and connect with others who loved Marilyn.
In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make a donation to their church or favorite charity in Marilyn’s memory.