Joyce Odell Gregory

Joyce Odell McRae Gregory

“MiMi” as she was known to everyone passed away peacefully on December 27, 2021 surrounded by her family at her home in Durham.

She was born on June 17, 1928 to Malcolm and Beulah McRae and was the oldest of three, having two brothers Buddy and Joel.  She was raised in Hopewell, Virginia and after graduating high school attended Farmers State Teachers College. She then attended and graduated from Watts School of Nursing.

She married Richard Earl Gregory in 1949 and had two children Marcia Adair Gregory and Richard Earl Gregory, Jr.

After a few years at Watts Hospital, she worked at the Durham Health Department and then Home Security Life Insurance as the company nurse. While working there she also became a certified underwriter.  After retiring from Home Security Life, she took the broker’s exam and became a realtor.  She knew no stranger. Throughout her life, she enjoyed travel and trips to casinos with her granddaughter.

She will be remembered for her generous spirit and her deep loyalty and love for her family and her faith.  She was preceded in death by her husband Richard and son Rick and brothers Buddy and Joel.

MiMi is survived by her daughter Marcia Adair Gregory, her grandson Austin McCoy Acker, her granddaughter Magen Adair Acker Carden and two great grandsons Mason Beau Carden and Austin James Acker.

At her request, no visitation and private family graveside service at Markham Memorial Garden.

Memorial donations may be made to the Durham Rescue Mission.

The Gregory family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.