In Loving Memory of Kathy Allen Gray

May 1, 1954 – September 4, 2026

Kathy Allen Gray, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, businesswoman, and longtime pillar of the Kansas City community, passed away on September 4, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, vision, honor, and perseverance.

Kathy was born on May 1, 1954, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Eunice Davis Allen and Mattie Hudson. In 1961, she migrated to Kansas City, Missouri, where she would make her home and become an integral part of the community for more than 60 years.

A Woman of Vision and Honor

Kathy was a woman of vision and honor, known for her determination, strength, and commitment to continual growth. She believed in education and invested in herself throughout her life, particularly in furthering her knowledge of real estate and appraisal. She advocated for all women and particularly women of color to have a presence in the real estate appraisal market.

After graduating from Smith Cotton High School in Sedalia, Mo., Kathy continued her education at multiple colleges and schools, always seeking opportunities to expand her knowledge. Her dedication ultimately led her to earn her Master's degree from the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC).

A Life of Service

Kathy attended mortuary school and began a meaningful career in funeral service as an embalmer, working alongside her father at Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel and also Mrs. JW Jones Memorial Chapel. For approximately 20 years, she served families with compassion, dignity, and professionalism during some of life's most difficult moments.

Her years in funeral service reflected her caring spirit and her commitment to serving others.

Following Her Passion

After 20 years in funeral service, Kathy transitioned into her true passion, real estate appraising.

With courage, vision, and an entrepreneurial spirit, she launched her own business, Lady's Appraisals. She built a career on her own terms and remained active in real estate until her passing. Her business was recognized as one of the best-reviewed appraisal businesses in the metropolitan area, and she was truly one of a kind in her field.

Kathy's professional journey reflected the woman she was: driven, visionary, independent, and always willing to embrace a new chapter.

Her Green Thumb

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathy found joy in the simple beauty of life. She had a special love for gardening and was blessed with what many would call a green thumb.

She understood the patience required to plant, nurture, and watch something grow. Her love of gardening was another expression of the care and attention she brought to everything she did.

Like the plants she lovingly nurtured, Kathy cultivated relationships, dreams, and opportunities. She planted seeds of knowledge, strength, love, and possibility, and leaves behind a legacy that will continue to grow through the generations.

Those She Leaves to Cherish Her Memory

Kathy leaves to cherish her memory:

• Mya Gray, daughter

• Kiela Gray, daughter

• Nyla Humphrey, granddaughter

• David Allen, brother

• Paul Allen, brother

• A host of extended family, friends, colleagues, and members of the Kansas City community whose lives she touched throughout her more than 60 years in Kansas City.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Barbara Allen Patrick.

Her Legacy Lives On

For more than six decades, Kathy Allen Gray called Kansas City home. Her journey took her from Minnesota to Kansas City, from education to funeral service, and from funeral service into entrepreneurship and real estate.

She was a woman of vision, a woman of honor, a woman of service, and a woman who knew how to make things grow.

Her green thumb nurtured gardens.

Her vision nurtured dreams.

Her service touched families.

Her love nurtured generations.

Kathy's memory will forever live on through her daughters, granddaughter, brothers, family, friends, and the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable journey.

May the seeds she planted continue to bloom in all who knew and loved her.

May her memory forever remain a blessing.