Obituary

To watch this service live follow the link listed below:

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To watch this service live follow the link listed below:

https://www.facebook.com/100001907842269/videos/989054265890808

Carrie was born on June 16, 1924, to her loving parents George W. Flemmons and Mary (Smith) Flemmons in the all Black Town of Tullahasse, Oklahoma. She was the third child born to this union. Her siblings included: Georgia Mae, Ida B., Willester, James (Zie), Booker T. and George W. Jr. (known as G.W.); Liberia; Berthetta; and Richard. She had a younger sister, Dorothy Jean, from her father’s marriage to Ms. Ada B. The family farmed and grew in the Rock Hill area of Tullahasee, and even as far north as Owassa, OK. Carrie loved her entire family and proved it by caring for her younger siblings after the unexpected passing of her mother, raising them with her own. Growing up with a very close-knit family, Carrie was called ‘Baby Ray’ by her grandparents, Cornelius & Millie (Tibbs) Flemmons.

Carrie was educated at a Black School called Mark Hanna, now known as Carter G. Woodson, also in Tullahasee. She was a good student, getting good marks in class.

From an early age, Carrie loved the Lord and was baptized at 1st Baptist Church of Tullahassee. In 1941, Carrie married J.C. Renfro and to this union came Clifford Sr. and Laurel (Barnett). It was on August 26, 1950, that she married Rev. Garland Grayson, a man destined to complete her family and continue her strong foundation in the church. Garland and Carrie had seven children, Gardelia, Evone, Veora, Marcella, Karen TheLissa, Garland Jr., and Cynthia Anne. Carrie strongly believed in requiring the children to go to Sunday School and Church, whenever the doors were opened, a Grayson would be standing inside.

Carrie worked her entire life as a family caregiver to Tony & Dr. Phyllis Lauinger of Tulsa. In this capacity, she was able to extend the love to their family, as she did her own, all while ensuring their home ran smoothly and effectively.

Carrie’s church home was Union Baptist Church on Greenwood Ave. She also served as the First Lady of Union Baptist Church of Wagoner, OK to support her husband, Rev. Grayson until his passing in 1986. She returned to GUBC under Rev. Harnsberry after the church had moved to N. 36th St. Here, she worshiped and served as a member of the ‘Victory Circle’, Mary/Martha Mission Circle; she was the 1st member of the Mother’s Board, and one of the educators in the Ladies Sunday School Class #5. She also participated in the North Tulsa Minister’s Wives Association. If the Minister was traveling, so was Carrie. She enjoyed going to the National Baptist Convention, services in the afternoon or evening and especially a good revival. Carrie, affectionately known as, Big Mama, Mother Grayson, or just Mrs. Grayson was honored for many years as the eldest member of the Greater Union Baptist Church Family.

It was on May 7, 2024, that she gained her wings and left this earthly realm for Paradise. While we all know that she was welcomed at Heaven’s Gate by her husband, parents, grandparents; some of her siblings and children, she leaves many to mourn. To name a few, her sister Liberia (David) Miller, Plymouth, MN; brother Richard Sr. (Nancy) of Minneapolis, MN; daughters – Veora Grayson, Evone Morrison, and Karen (Leo) Blades, all of Tulsa.Some Nineteen Grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and even some great-great grandchildren. So many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends a life-time of love spent with so many precious family members.

Visitation for Mrs. Grayson will be held on Friday, May 17, from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa, OK 74104.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m., at Greater Union Baptist Church, 955 East 36th St North, Tulsa, OK 74106.

Visitation for Mrs. Grayson will be held on Friday, May 17, from 5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m., at Butler-Stumpff & Dyer Funeral Home, 2103 E. 3rd St., Tulsa, OK 74104.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 10:00 a.m., at Greater Union Baptist Church, 955 East 36th St North, Tulsa, OK 74106.