Mrs. Ada B. Gray, 96, of Bryans Road, Maryland. Peacefully on Saturday, August 20, 2016 at the Hospice House of Charles County, Waldorf, Maryland, Ada Brawner Gray transitioned to eternal life. Ada Elizabeth Brawner was born on July 7, 1920 in Charles County, Maryland to the late Robert Clinton Brawner and Bertha Lee Toye. She was one of six children born of this union.

She grew up in the Pomonkey, Maryland area of Charles County on her parent's farm. She was raised in a loving and nurturing household under the guidance of her mother (a homemaker) and father (among the first Black Deputy Sheriffs in Charles County). Ada was a life- long and devoted member of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

She was educated in the Charles County Public School System and attended Pomonkey Elementary and High School. After graduation, she matriculated to the Maryland State Teacher's College at Bowie; currently known as Bowie State University. Ada also attended the APEX College of Beauty Culture and Hairdressing. She practiced her cosmetology skills on family and friends in her home.

She began working for the United States Department of Defense/Pentagon in 1943 and continued working there as a Film Assembler (Defense Printing) for 32 years until her retirement in 1975. During her tenure at the Pentagon, she developed many life-long friendships; some of which became part of a Traveling Club.

She embraced every opportunity to explore new places throughout the Nation as well as Internationally. Some of Ada's most memorable travels included her visit to the Holy Land and Hawaii. She enjoyed many other trips via train, airplane, cruise ship and automobile. She was an avid crossword puzzler. Ada was skilled in sewing, crocheting and knitting. She knitted slippers or afghans (blankets) as gifts for family members. She enjoyed family events especially holiday gatherings and had specific hours of the day that were dedicated to watching Soap Operas.

Ada met and married Lawrence Lowell Gray and was married for over 65 years until his passing on July 16, 2004. One son was born of this union, Vernon Lowell Gray. Ada was family oriented and embraced each generation of her family. She was the last living member of her generation in the family and was able to enjoy meeting and spending time with the fifth generation of her lineage. Ada was preceded in death by her parents; Robert and Bertha, husband; Lawrence, brothers; Franklin (Frank), Edward (Peter), and Frederick (Fred) Brawner, sisters; Mary (Evelyn) Holmes and Rosalie Campbell.

Ada leaves to cherish her memories, a devoted and loving family; son, Vernon Lowell, daughter-in-law, Antoinette, grandchildren; Maurice, Sr. (Lisa), Tera Gray Foster (Stephen), Neil (Bernadette), great-grandchildren; Maurice, Jr., Amanda, Justin, Gabrielle, Jordan, Marqueshia, and Jaron, great-great-grandchildren; Savannah and Amari, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Viewing, 9:00 am until 10:45 am; Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00am, Friday, August 26, 2016 at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, Maryland. Interment, St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, Maryland. Arrangements by Thornton Funeral Home.