Dana Collette Jackson- Gray's Obituary
Dana Gray, 52, transitioned from this life with her family by her side on November 22, 2024, at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland, NJ. Dana was born August 12, 1972, in Vineland, NJ to Isreal and Brenda Patterson. Dana married her husband, Jonathan Gray on June 9, 1996.
Dana grew up in Fairfield Township and was educated in the Fairfield Township School system and graduated from Cumberland Regional High School in 1990. Dana later graduated with an associate’s degree in applied science from Cumberland County College in 2008. Dana worked as a Human Service Specialist for the Cumberland County Board of Social Services for the past 17 years. Dana loved her job and enjoyed socializing with her colleagues. Dana was a fighter and continued working despite her sickness.
Dana came to know the Lord at a very young age. Dana was an active member of the Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Bridgeton where she served as the church clerk for 14 years. Dana enjoyed spending time with her family celebrating birthdays and holidays, shopping, doing her nails and make up, doing crafts and decorations, watching westerns and cop shows, singing, and going to the shore with her husband. Dana was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. She underwent a lumpectomy surgery and received chemotherapy and radiation for treatment. She was later diagnosed with heart failure and as a result she then received a pacemaker. She was a strong woman of God and a devoted mother and grandmother. Although Dana was a quiet person, she was very knowledgeable and assertive in any task she performed. Dana was a sweet, kind, and loving person who cherished the time spent with her family.
Dana is survived by her husband Jonathan Gray, her parents Isreal and Brenda Patterson, her three children Janay Chandler, Jamire Gray, and Jeri’ Gray. One grandchild, Roger Sapp and one godchild Ahmad Smith. Three brothers Joshua Patterson, Mark Patterson, and Anthony Patterson. Four sisters Lillian Patterson, Stacy Lusby, Angela Smith-Martin (Quadir), and Teresa Martin.
Dana was predeceased by her maternal grandparents Clarence and Esther Jackson, and paternal grandparents Edward Walker and Alice Patterson-Franklin, one sister Michelle Lynn Jackson, and two brothers Isreal “Junior” Cook, and Gregory Patterson. Dana leaves behind a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend the celebration of life services Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church located on 32 S. Burlington Rd Bridgeton NJ 08302. A visitation period will be held from 9-11AM followed by the funeral services and internment at Gouldtown Memorial Park where she will be laid to rest.
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