Evelyn Ruth Harrison Gray, age 75, of South Daytona, FL, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. Evelyn was born June 15,1947 in Norwood, Massachusetts to loving parents, the late Bernice (Donahue) and Richard Harrison, of Walpole, MA.
Evelyn is survived by her devoted lifelong partner William Dotson, her children Raymond Gray and his spouse Michele, David Gray, Thomas Gray and his spouse Stacey, and Michelle Gray and her spouse Glenn Burger. The joys of her life, her granddaughters, Taylor Gray, Jessica Gray, Kirsten Gray, Marissa Burger, and Haley Burger. She is also survived by her siblings Beverly (Harrison) Hovey, Deborah Harrison and her spouse Margaret Morgan, Richard Harrison and his spouse Gloria, and Priscilla (Harrison) Mackenzie and her spouse Scott Ferguson, as well as many nieces and nephews, and numerous dear friends.
Evelyn, fondly known as ‘Evie’, grew up and graduated from high school in Walpole, MA, before moving to Bristol, Connecticut. As a young mom of four, Evie, worked tirelessly at Scarpelli’s Diner in Torrington, CT where she met many life-long friends, doing the job she loved. Once her children were grown, she and Bill moved to Cape Cod, to care for her mother, and she was the ‘life blood’ of the Hearth and Kettle in South Yarmouth, MA until she retired in 2011. Everyone knew and loved their favorite server, Evie. Shortly afterwards, Evie and Bill left the cold weather behind them and moved to South Daytona, FL to enjoy the beach and each other.
Evelyn was a true artist at heart, always creating art and crafts in different mediums, such as oil painting, knitting, glass fusion, and diamond dots. Evie’s true spark were the people she met on her journey, from the ones she met on the beaches during their vacations, in places like Myrtle Beach, many of whom would become life-long friends, to the babies she saw at work over the years, grow up into young adults. She always looked forward to and loved spending time with her siblings and family when they came to visit her and Bill.
An avid reader, she also enjoyed feeding the wide variety of birds in her backyard, dancing, sunny beaches, long walks, Bingo, slot machines, cruises, and special occasions and holidays. Always remembering people’s birthdays and sending thoughtful cards. Those that knew her were blessed to have her in their lives.
Contributions in Evelyn’s memory can be made to the charity of your choice.
