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Dr. Katherine “Kate” Martin Gray, 77, of Lynchburg, VA, formerly of Wilmette, IL, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024, in Atlanta, GA, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on July 18, 1947, to James K. Martin, Sr. and Sally K. Helwig
Kate was a distinguished academic and passionate advocate for the arts and education. While attending Hollins University in Roanoke, VA, Kate married Robert Hanes Gray, Jr. in 1967. They had two children, Robert Hanes Gray, III, and Katherine Eliza Gray, and settled in Rosedale, the family farm in Pamplin, VA. Kate earned her BA from Randolph Macon Woman’s College in 1981. She then launched her academic career by teaching English literature at Seven Hills Academy in Lynchburg. Kate furthered her education, earning an MFA from the University of Virginia and a PhD from the George Washington University, specializing in the works of Samuel Beckett and feminist Irish playwrights. She joined the English Department at Lynchburg College, where she taught for nearly 25 years, significantly contributing to the development of the gender studies minor, the Writing Center, and the Westover Honors Program. Kate retired as Professor Emerita in 2015. A devoted supporter of the arts, Kate was deeply involved with numerous cultural organizations, including the Academy Center of the Arts restoration and programs in Lynchburg, VA. She was also involved in Opera on the James and the Jefferson Chorale Society. She served on the boards of several organizations, including the local DAR and the Garden Club. Kate’s love for animals was evident throughout her life starting with horses while riding in Wyoming many childhood summers. In early adulthood, she trained Saddlebreds and Arabians, raised Springer Spaniels and peacocks, and later focused on dog agility training, rescuing and training standard poodles. She made a wonderful team with her beloved poodle, Sunny, certified for pet therapy, providing comfort to patients at Lynchburg General Hospital. Kate spent her last 2-3 years of life in memory care at Corso Atlanta in Atlanta, GA. She was beloved by all of the staff and known for her kindness and sweet spirit. She was also quite the competitor in beach-ball-away and bowling games. Kate continued her love of music and art, often enthusiastically singing during sing-alongs and encouraging others to do the same. She made many friends and was often seen comforting other residents to the best of her ability when they were in distress, holding their hands or patting their backs.
Kate is survived by her children, Robert Hanes (Carolyn) Gray, III and Katherine Eliza Gray; granddaughters, Laura Elizabeth, Anna Kate, and Rebecca Helaine Gray; brother, James (Darcie) Martin; nieces, Christine and Ann Martin and nephew, James (“Jamie”) Martin. She is lovingly remembered by her dear friends Robert and Betty Blasch, Naomi Amos, Ida Cole, Vicky & Kern Lunsford, Scott Hengerer, Ed Declair, Laura Dupuy, and Dessi Dupuy, her goddaughter.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM EST at Southcare Cremation and Funeral Society, 595 Franklin Gateway SE, Marietta, GA, 30067. Live streaming link will be posted closer to the date of the memorial service for those unable to attend. If attending in person, the family encourages people to dress in bright colors to celebrate a life well lived. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg, VA, and Planned Parenthood/Planned Parenthood Action Fund.
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