Mary Elizabeth Gray

Former Seminole resident, Mary Elizabeth Gray, 94, passed away Sunday, December 29, 2024, in Rush Springs. 

Mary, the daughter of Ted and Edna (Dansbee) Bignell, was born December 16, 1930, in Hatch, New Mexico. Mary’s father’s job took them to different towns in her early years, she ultimately attended high school in El Paso, Texas. On December 14, 1945, she married Ralph Leatherman, in Deming, New Mexico. She and Mr. Leatherman moved to Seminole and set up their life, she would live in Seminole for over 50 years. During that time Mary started sewing cheerleader and pep squad uniforms, a job she would do throughout the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. On February 16, 1980, Mary married Jess Gray, in Seminole. Mary loved reading her Bible, the book she referred to as her “best friend”, and she enjoyed watching western movies and game shows, but Mary loved being involved in her church and attended church services in person until her final week on earth.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Ralph Leatherman and Jess Gray; four children Charlett Barrett, Bill Leatherman, Donnie Leatherman, and Linda Leatherman; and one sister, Dolly Power. 

Mary is survived by her sons and daughter-in-law, James and Angela Leatherman, of Rush Springs, and Robert Leatherman, of Seminole; 10 grandchildren, Randy, Richard, Becky, Debra, Eric, Monica, Robbie, Alexis, Ryan, Tiffany, Autumn, and Acacia; six great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and many other family members and friends. 

While Mary loved flowers she loved her church more, and she requested that donations be made in her name to the Washington, Oklahoma Church of Christ.

Casket bearers will be Darren Stephens, Doug Farris, Harold Ham, Matt Trammell, Thurman Trammell, and James Leatherman. Honorary casket bearer is Buck Sager.

Services will be Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. at Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, with James Leatherman officiating.  Interment will follow at the Little Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.