June 12, 2024, 89, Grimesland —

January 31, 1935 – June 12, 2024

Thelma Grace Gray Tart, 89, formerly of La Grange, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Thelma was born in Greene County on January 31, 1935, to the late George and Elitha Beamon Gray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her second husband, Harry Edson Tart; and siblings, Evelyn Pollock and George “Bo” Gray.

Joining Mewborn Primitive Baptist Church at the age of 14, Thelma was both the oldest and longest-tenured member of her church.

A service of love and remembrance will be held at Mewborn Primitive Baptist Church at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The family will receive friends in the hour prior to the service, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Committal will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.

Thelma is survived by her son, T. LaVan Shoemaker, Jr. and wife, Gail; daughter, Beverly Shoemaker Gurganus and husband, Ted; grandchildren, Nijmegan Webb and husband, Christopher, Brookes Walker and wife, Lindsey, Nikki Parsons and husband, D.J., and Trey Gurganus; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Luca, Kinley, Sawyer, Braxton, and Ryker; a brother, Lester “Skeet” Gray; former husband, Ted LaVan Shoemaker, Sr. and wife, Carolyn; along with many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com.

Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to Mewborn Primitive Baptist Church, c/o Lester G. Gray, 2856 Gray-Grant Road, Kinston, NC 28504.

Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange