Nellie Mae (Strickland) Gray

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ms Nell Strickland Gray, on Friday, February 6. 2026 at the Greene County Health and Rehab Clinic in Leakesville, MS. She was 89 years old. 

She came from humble beginnings in Stateline, MS with a large family but an even larger heart.  She was a hard worker in the cotton fields which helped shape the person she became. Ms. Nell loved her LORD JESUS often talking about and longing for her home going. She loved her church, Antioch B.C where she served as a Sunday School teacher and helped in Vacation Bible School.  She was a prayer warrior and would pray for anyone, anywhere, anytime.  Also, Ms. Nell served as the area coordinator for “Operation Christmas Child” and helped to donate hundreds of boxes to children around the world. She was a breast cancer survivor and caregiver to many, always supporting the cause. 

Beside her family and church, she loved the city of Leakesville.  She was a Leakesville Alderman and served in a variety of ways.  She helped to beautify the parks, decorate the city for the holidays and served wherever it was needed. Mamaw Nell was passionate about baking and loved giving away her Fresh Apple Cakes, Pecan Pies, Lemon Pie and homemade Mayhew jelly.

She is survived by her son, Tony, daughter-in-law, Karen; granddaughter Hannah, husband Sean and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Samuel and Charlotte Rosemeyer.  Also, granddaughter Katie husband Christopher, great-grandchildren Grayson and Andy Grayce Stafford.  Brother Morris Strickland and sisters, Melinda Strickland, Brenda Price and a large number of nieces and nephews.

Ms. Nell was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She touched the lives of everyone she met with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering faith. Her gentle, loving spirit and nurturing presence created lasting memories for her family and all who knew her. Ms. Nell’s memory will forever be cherished, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and community.

“Though the book of her life is now closed…. Let us remember...Her front door was always open, and her lamp always on”.  May we all thrive to do the same.

The Visitation will be Tuesday, February 10, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Moments Funeral Home, Leakesville. The Funeral Service will begin at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Bro. Paul Walters officiating. Burial will follow in McLeod-Magnolia Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate in her memory to the “Operation Christmas Child” through Samaritan’s Purse ministry.

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.