Celeste Elizabeth Gray's Obituary
Celeste Hulse Gray, age 91, of Wheeler passed away February 14, 2023. She was born October 12, 1931, in Truscott, TX to Esker and Ella Mae New. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband George Gray; son Greg Hulse; son Randy Hulse; daughter-in-law Marietta Hulse; and her brother Charles New and brother Billy Benjamin New. Celeste was a member of Old Missouri Road Baptist Church.
A child of the Great Depression and Dust Bowl years, Celeste picked her fair share of cotton, fruits, and vegetables with her family as they traveled as migrant workers through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Colorado. They eventually settled in Northwest Arkansas where she attended Farmington Public Schools.
She was petite but strong, a hard-working farm wife who lovingly raised her four children while helping with the cattle, chickens and hogs. (Once, she caught a wayward hog by jumping on him backwards and riding him back to his pen.) She was a co-owner of D&H Cardinal Grocery in Lincoln as well as Williams Grocery on Hwy 16 west in Fayetteville. After her children were grown Celeste married George Gray. Together they enjoyed trout fishing in Cotter, card games and dominos with friends and family. A few years after George’s death, she moved to Sutton, Alaska to live with her brother Billy and his wife. Alaska seemed to suit her, and she stayed for many years. Always the nurturer, she even raised a baby moose.
Celeste was a gifted artist who sold her paintings as a member of the Ozark Native Craft Association in Winslow. She was a bookworm, fed birds and raised flowers. She was a talented from-scratch cook. Celeste’s homemade jelly and sweet tea were favorites. Her fried chicken was legendary. She had a soft spot for children and animals and was a devout Christian. Simply put, to know Celeste was to adore her.
She is survived by her son Danny Hulse of Wheeler; daughter Cathy Robbins and husband Steve of Wheeler; 10 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law Devona Hulse of Fayetteville; sister Wanda Sells of Wichita Falls, TX; stepson Brian Gray and stepdaughter Barbara Knapp; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 18, at Nelson Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Burial will be in Mt. Comfort Cemetery. Instead of flowers, memorials can be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
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