Lana Gray

Lana Overton Gray, 78, of Villa Rica, Georgia, passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025 at her residence. She was born on September 18, 1947, the daughter of the late John and Louise Overton of Geraldine, Alabama.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Elizabeth Huelster, and her sister, Bridget Overton.

She is survived by her loving husband, Billy Gray; daughters and sons-in-law, Angie and Bill Huelster of Marietta, Kellie Gray of Douglasville, and Celeste and Keith Kelley of Longview, Texas; son and daughter-in-law, Johnathan and Andrea Gray of Villa Rica; seven grandchildren, Nick Huelster and Gabi Nunez-Huelster, Christopher Hutchinson, Kaleb Kelley, Myra Ashley and Levi Woodard, Emilyn Gray, Ellie Gray, and Landon Gray; one great-grandchild, Lucas Nunez-Huelster; along with numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.

Lana grew up right in the middle of Geraldine, Alabama and attended school in Geraldine through her junior year of high school before getting married and transferring to South Cobb High School in Austell, GA her senior year. While at Geraldine High, Lana was involved in the high school band and served as drum major of their marching band her junior year. She and Billy enjoyed 61 years of marriage together, and she would often tell people he had been in her life since becoming her boyfriend when she was 12 years old. Lana drove a school bus in Douglas County for 28 years. In addition to her normal bus route responsibilities, she transported her children and other students to countless field trips, sporting events, and other school activities. She was also called on to drive the bus for First Baptist Church of Douglasville carrying students to youth camps and on mission trips. One of her most treasured driving experiences was to have the opportunity to drive a bus for the 1996 Olympics when it was hosted in Atlanta. Though she primarily drove a bus to help provide for the family, she enjoyed the daily interaction with the students and saw it as a way for her to encourage and love on them at the beginning and end of each school day.

Over the years, Lana assisted with many events and activities at First Baptist Church Douglasville. One of her most treasured ways of service came with her helping in the Acteens ministry. Acteens is a ministry that helps teenage girls learn about, pray for, and participate in both domestic and foreign missions. During the years she worked with Acteens, she helped lead mission trips to Boston, MA; Grange Hill, Jamaica; and Ocean City, MD, which is a testimony of her strong faith in Christ that was demonstrated throughout her life.

Having grown up in a farming community, Lana enjoyed country decorations and antiques which she incorporated into the decorating of their home. Many have often said that her home in Douglasville could have been on the cover of a Country Living magazine. But as much as she enjoyed these things, what she loved most was spending time with Billy, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. There was never a doubt that they were the joy of her life. Though Lana has passed from this world to Glory, her love, warmth, and strong spirit will continue in the lives of those she so richly blessed.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 4, 2026 from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Bremen, Georgia followed by the funeral service at 3:00 PM with Dr. John Pennington, Dr. Johnathan Gray, and Dr. Keith Kelley officiating. Interment will follow on Monday, January 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM CST / 12:00 PM EST, at Highway Church of God Cemetery in Lakeview, Alabama.

Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com Jones-Wynn Funeral Home Inc. and Cremation Services of Villa Rica is in charge of the arrangements.770-459-3694