October 2, 1930 - January 4, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Helen Jo "Jody" (Gray) Kuiper—affectionately known as Jody, Grammer, and GG—who went home to be with the Lord on January 4, 2025, in Abilene, Kansas. While we deeply mourn her absence, we find solace knowing she is happily reunited in Heaven with those who went before her.

Jody was born on October 2, 1930, in Littlefield, Texas, and lived a modest life filled with faith and love. She was a devoted servant of the Lord, and her unwavering faith was the foundation of her life. She embodied strength, kindness, passion, and wisdom, serving as the historian for her family. A hard worker through and through, she was independent and, at times, stubborn and feisty, yet she always led with love and determination. She lived simply, humbly, and with deep appreciation for family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and devotion.

Jody was at peace, knowing she would soon be with her Savior and the loved ones who went before her—she openly shared her longing to go to Heaven when the Lord decided the time was right. We believe she danced into the presence of the Lord, as dancing was one of the many ways she expressed her joy for life. From the time she was a little girl to her senior years, dancing was a part of her spirit. Now, we find comfort in knowing she is dancing once more—free of pain, overflowing with joy, and reunited with the Lord.

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." — Ecclesiastes 3:1,4

She is preceded in death by her nephew, Benji Gray; her sister-in-law Patsy Gray; her great-granddaughter Marilla Smith; her son, Jimmy Atwell; her sister, Colleen Barrett; her brother-in-law Sam Barrett; her mother, Virgie Gray; and her father, Charlie Gray.

She is survived by her brother, Benny Gray, and his children, Marty Rogers, Coni Whitley, and Lacei Gray-Koffi, and their children; her late sister Colleen's children Lindy Barrett, Sandy Conner, Steve Barrett, Vicky Roebuck and their children; her daughter, La Dean Atwell, and her children, Sascha Reyes, J. Colton Hendrickson, and their children; her daughter, Paula Ladd, and her children, David Bussing, Buddy Ladd, and Hollie Smith, and their children; and her daughter-in-law, Joyce Atwell, and her children, Jodean Hudson and Jamie Atwell, and their children—all of whom will forever carry her love and lessons in their hearts.

We invite you to join us as we celebrate the cherished memories and legacy of our beloved Jody at her home church.

Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

Visitation: 10:00 AM

Service: 11:00 AM (Meal to follow)

Location: Calvary Baptist Church, 900 South Wine, Gainesville, TX 76240

Together, we will honor her incredible life, reflect on the blessings she brought into our lives, and find comfort in God's promises. Please join us in prayer, fellowship, and remembrance as we celebrate her life with the love and joy she so freely shared.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." — Romans 8:38-39

With heartfelt love,

The Family of Helen Jo "Jody" (Gray) Kuiper