Barbara Jean Gray

Mrs. Barbara Jean Williams “Bird” Gray, 76, of Leesburg, GA, peacefully passed away on her birthday, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at her home while surrounded by her beloved family.

Born on September 1,1950, in Pooler, GA, Barbara was the daughter of late Elsie Juanita Brown Bird and Cordell Darvin Williams. She and her late husband owned and operated Grays Auto Sales for many years. She enjoyed singing, dancing, cooking, and spending time with her family. Barbara was a prayer warrior with great faith. Her grandchildren often referred to her as “G-Ma”. She was licensed as a minister and conducted several weddings. She was of the Pentecostal faith and a member of Victory Tabernacle in Albany, GA. She had started attending Philema Road Baptist church since moving to Leesburg and even upon being sick she would watch them live on Facebook, attend when she was able, and loved the church service. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend who will be greatly missed by all.

In addition to her parents, she was proceeded in death by her husband, Welton Gray; son, Mark Anthony Vanzant; sisters, Rita Diane Bird, Erma Jean Teasley, and Wanda Clark.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children Gerald & Lisa Vanzant of Albany, “Missy” Melissa Diane “Vanzant” Suggs & Jeff of Leesburg; grandchildren, Sara Beth Jacks Koteff, Chase Anthony Vanzant, Christopher James Vanzant & Rebecca Vanzant, Jessica Diane Vanzant, Mark Anthony Vanzant II, Hobie Lee Sharp & Nikki Sharp, Haley Diane Suggs, Harley Jean Parrish, Tommy Lee Parrish, James Develon Parrish; several great grandchildren; siblings, Nora Lee Powell, Kathy Delores Spivey, Kerry David Bird, Robert Dale Bird, Tony Williams, Ollie Suarez; Several Nieces and Nephews that she loved all of them so dearly.

Arrangements of her service will be announced.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home of Leesburg has been entrusted with the care of Barbara's family.