Ellen Matilda Gray
Jul 7, 1930 - Oct 5th, 2021- Birth Date: Jul 7, 1930
- Death Date: Oct 5, 2021
- Funeral Date: Unknown
- Location: Christ Episcopal Church
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Biography: Ellen Matilda Gray, 91, of Little Rock, left this earth on October 5, 2021. She was predeceased by her parents, Elisha Columbus Gray and Erma C. White Gray; sisters Carolyn Gray LeMaster and Jean Gray Faisst, and niece Robin Clair Rod. She is survived by nephews Robert Gray LeMaster (Nancy) and Glen Clive LeMaster (Margy); and niece Rebecca LeMaster of Poland; with numerous great nieces and nephews and many good friends and her special friend, Sprout, to mourn her loss.
She overcame setbacks early in her life. She left school to help support her family. Despite this, through UALR night school she attained a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from Southern Methodist University.
Professionally accomplished, she was a Senior Vice President at the investment banking firm of Eppler Guerin & Turner in Dallas, Texas. She returned to Little Rock to assume the position of HR and Administrative Services at Stephens Inc. After a great career at Stephens, and over 70 years in the work force, she retired in 2015 as Executive Vice President.
Ellen’s faith was central to her life, and she lived out her beliefs every day. She found her religious home in the Episcopal Church. She served on the vestry at Christ Episcopal Church, on the Bishop’s search committee, the standing committee, the executive committee and as trustee at the University of the South (Sewanee, TN).
Ellen supported arts and culture in Little Rock and was generous with her time and money. She was a life board member of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Board Chairman of the Arkansas Museum of Science and History when it transitioned from MacArthur Park to the Museum of Discovery, President of Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts, and a supporter of the Arkansas Rep.
Having overcome obstacles of her own, Ellen was a mentor and friend to those who sought to improve themselves professionally. She was a charter member of Arkansas Women’s Leadership Forum and of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas.
Ellen had a strong sense of community and sought to help those who needed a hand up. She served in leadership positions on the Little Rock Housing Authority Commission, Habitat for Humanity, and President’s Advisory Council of Winrock International during their transition from Petit Jean to Little Rock, and Advocates for Battered Women (Women and Children First). In addition, was involved with UALR Alumni Association, AARP Executive Council, Pulaski County Historical Society, and investment committee of the Jewish Federation. She was a member of the Little Rock Sister City Commission and co-liaison to Newcastle, UK.
A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, on a date to be determined, 509 Scott Street, Little Rock, AR, followed by a reception in the Parish House. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Christ Church, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the Animal Village, Humane Society of Pulaski County, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com
She was always ready to support any new organization needing her assistance.
Her death will be felt by many in the Little Rock area.
Rest is peace,
Condolences to the family
Our most heartfelt condolences. God Bless Ellen and her family.