Jacksonville -  Zola Gray, 36 died Sunday, September 25, 2016 at her residence.  

Funeral service will be held 6pm Sunday, October 2, 2016 at Saunders Funeral Home. A visitation will be held two hours prior to the service. 

Zola was truly a champion!  Not only did she graduate from Jacksonville High School, she was a star Special Olympics athlete who won many medals and ribbons.  She participated in numerous sports such as tennis, basketball, volleyball, bowling, equestrian and softball until the day she died.  Zola worked at Camp Lejune's mess hall for nine years.  She was awarded customer service "Employee of the Year" in 2003.  She worked for Hardees restaurant in Jacksonville for four years and mostly recently was employed by Taco Bell.  Zola had a special love for children and they loved her too!  Zola was the God mother to her best sister-friend, Keisha's town children, Jessie and DJ.   

She touched many lives providing valuable memories to all she encountered.  Zola lit up any room when she walked into it. It was almost impossible to be in bad mood when you were in her presence.  She had contagious smile that spanned from ear to ear. She loved to give big hugs and make people happy.  Zola had a heart of gold, caring immensely for the well being of others.  She always thought of others before herself. Zola was the kind of person people enjoyed being around.  She brought so much joy to the lives of everyone she would meet.  Zola will be missed immensely!  It is ensuring to know Zola is an angel in heaven now looking over us and blessing each and everyone one of us.

She is survived by her mother, Jennie Gray of Jacksonville.