Sharon, Pa. - Dorann Gray, Sharon, departed this life Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Nugent's Nursing Home in Hermitage. She was 97.

She was born Nov. 13, 1927, in New Castle, a daughter of Preston B. and Carrie M. (Bailey) Jones.

She graduated from New Castle High School in 1945. St. Luke's A.M.E. Zion Church in New Castle, sponsored Dorann to attend Livingston College in Livingston, N.C., majoring in music. Dorann played drums for the New Castle Elks Bugle Corps.

Dorann was employed by People's Cleaners in Sharon as a silk presser.

She was a member and Church Mother at New Life Covenant Church in Sharon. Dorann's activities included volunteering her services and playing the piano at the senior citizens center in Cleveland. She wrote, composed and played music.

Other interests included painting pictures, art/drawings, gardening and puzzles. She was an avid and unbeatable chess player.

She is survived by her children, Robert E. Chavers Jr., Debra Ann Artis, Vincent L. (Barbara) Chavers and Doreen Gray; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sisters, Ruth Small, Carlotta Santori, both Cleveland, Ohio, and Otha Jean Montgomery, Maryland.

Preceding her in death were her parents; four sisters, Cora Rose Cohen, Marie Percell, Carrie Basham and Ella Jones; two brothers, William Jones and Preston Jones; and two sons, Preston Van Chavers and Jamie Lynn McGowan.

GRAY

Dorann, 97, Sharon.

Calling hours: 11 a.m. to noon Saturday (11-15-25) in New Life Covenant Church, 807 Spruce Ave., Sharon.

Service: Noon Saturday in the church, with Pastor Patricia Tatum officiating.

Messages of sympathy, stories and photos can be shared on Dorann's memorial page at: www.flynnfuneralhome.com

Arrangements by JOHN FLYNN FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORY Inc., Hermitage.