Esther Scarbrough Gray

Esther Scarbrough Gray Passed away on May 5, 2020 at her home in Coker Creek, Tennessee. She was 88 years old. Esther was born on June 16th of 1931 in Petros, TN. Esther lived her life as a faithful Christian, wife and mother. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church Sweetwater where she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School for many years. Esther spent her childhood in Harriman and graduated from Harriman High School. She attended Carson Newman College where she met and married Sanford Gray. Esther’s faith in God was an inspiration to many. Esther was a beautiful, gentle and gracious soul who gave each person her full attention. Esther possessed many talents and created beautiful things. She was a gifted weaver and excellent cook. Together, she and Sanford graciously dedicated their lives to their community and touched countless families and children worldwide through Tellico Mountain Camp, TMI Academy and Coker Creek Village. Esther cherished her family and friends. Esther was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Sanford Gray; parents, Houston and Mary Christmas Scarbrough; eldest son, Douglas Sanford Gray; daughter, Bridgette Ann Gray Vesser, and grandson, Joshua Lee Vesser; brothers Harold and Thomas A. Scarbrough, and sister Reba Newlan. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marylu and Bobby Atchley of Coker Creek, TN; son and daughter-in-law, David and Becky Gray of Grafenwoehr, Germany. She is also survived by five grandchildren and spouses: Justin and Amy Vesser of Earlysville, VA, Carrie and Jesse Byers of Sweetwater, Cam and Beth Atchley of Nolensville, TN; Erin Gray and Dane Gray of Albany, OR . Esther was richly blessed with seven great-grandsons; Jack, Jay & Jesse Vesser, Luke, Eli & Will Atchley and Rocco Byers. Esther will be deeply missed by her family and the host of relatives and friends she so greatly treasured. The family will receive friends on Monday May 11, 2020 from 1:00 to 3:00 at Kyker Funeral Homes, with Celebration of Life to follow at 3:00 led by Pastor Leonard Markham. Interment will follow services at West View Cemetery. For any memorial donations, please send to First Baptist Church Sweetwater. Kyker Funeral Homes, Sweetwater.

Esther Scarbrough Gray

June 16, 1931 - May 5, 2020