Margaret was a ‘deep thinker’

TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of Margaret Gray, the wife of a former Lisburn Presbyterian Minister Dr Gordon Gray.

Dr Godfrey Brown of Ballycastle Presbyterian described her as a ‘good friend’ who will be sorely missed.

The mother-of-three was described as, “A devoted wife and mother. She had a wide circle of close friends and had a warmth of kindness that touched many.

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“The community are truly shocked by Margaret’s death. It has left her family in total disarray and has also left this community in total shock and sorrow.

People here are just so sad at losing her. The community is reaching out to Dr Gray and his family at this very sad time.”

Dr Gray and his wife moved to Ballycastle after he retired from Lisburn in 2001 and have been loyal members of the community. Margaret loved culture and had a great interest in history, reading, cooking and would give talks at local WI clubs and PWs. She also loved embroidery, painting, patchwork and gardening.

Dr Gray, a regular on Thoughts for the Day slot on Good Morning Ulster, was at the helm of peace- making events, as was his wife.

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As a minister’s wife, Margaret also headed up the Presbyterian Women’s Association in Lisburn while the couple spent almost 28 years in the city from 1973 to 2001.

Mr Brown said that her main role was as a wife and a mother and would do what she could to help free her husband from performing his activities as a minister.

She was also described as someone who often thought deeply about things and had a warmth of kindness and openness.

Dr Brown said that he and his wife would often share meals with Margaret and Dr Gray would call regularly to each other’s homes and often meet up at a local gardening club.

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Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton also paid tribute to Margaret describing her as “a woman of many talents who enthusiastically supported her husband in every aspect of his ministry.”

“Her outgoing nature, strong opinions and compassion for people were the hallmarks of her personality that made her a valued member of and significant contributor to both church and civic life.

“Personally and on behalf of the Presbyterian Church I have already conveyed our sympathy to Dr Gray and his family and assured them of our love and prayers at this very sad 
time.”