Jane Ann Gray

Jane Ann Gray, 79, of Sedalia, MO passed away on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Columbia, MO. Jane was born on September 19, 1941 in Kansas City, MO the daughter of Robert M. Johns, Jr., and Christina “Joan” Bannister Johns.

Jane’s father was a pharmaceutical salesman and the family lived in Fort Smith, AR, and Springfield, MO until her father joined the family business, S.P. Johns & Sons Lumber in Sedalia, MO. Jane attended Broadway School, Smith-Cotton, and Christian College.

On June 17 1961 in Miami, OK, Jane married John W. “Bill Gray” who preceded her in death in 2016.

Jane worked various jobs including Lake City Munitions Plant, and as a Telephone Operator and later and Engineering Clerk for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Jane was appointed to the Sedalia City Council for the 4th Ward to fill out an unexpired term and was later elected to serve several terms until she eventually stepped in as Mayor of Sedalia and went on to be Mayor of Sedalia for 11 years. After retiring from Southwestern Bell, she also worked ant Print Lynx and at the Boys and Girls Club.

Jane is survived by her son Michael W. Gray of Jefferson City, MO, her step-sisters Pam McGrath, Theresa McGrath (Lee) Aldrich of Sedalia, MO, and Kathe McGrath Dunlop of St. Louis, MO, Sister in-law Dorothy Robertson of Sedalia, and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Jane was predeceased by step-mother Roseanne Dugan Johns, step-mother “Baffie” McGrath Johns, and step-sister Michelle McGrath.

A visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Sacred Heart Church St. Vincent de Paul Parrish. Burial will be at Crown Hill Cemetery, Sedalia, MO.

Pallbearers will be Glen Brendel, Jack Cook, Gregg Foster, Scott Holloway, Pete Phillips, and Larry Ward.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Foundation or the Sedalia Animal Shelter.