Verna Jo Gray, 77, of Odessa, died Monday, June 6, 2016 at her residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel in Big Spring with Chaplain Johnny Touchstone of Star Hospice, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park in Big Spring.The family will receive friends from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Friday, June 10, 2016 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.She was born December 4, 1938 in Burkett, Texas and married Ralph Gray January 3, 1985 in Midland, Texas. He preceded her in death August 16, 2014.Verna worked at the Big Spring State Hospital for a number of years. She received her LVN license in 1992 and worked until retiring in 2007. She enjoyed spending time with her family and her dog, Max.Survivors include three daughters, Becky Caldwell and husband, Larry of Tye, Letha Smith and husband, Bob of Irving, and Beverly Helferich and husband, Mark of Odessa; two sons, Ernie Strickland and wife, Laura of Big Spring, and Bruce Strickland and wife, Jennifer of San Angelo; two step-sons, Wade Gray and Robbie Gray both of Helotes; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.She was also preceded in death by her parents, Earnest and Ruth Langford Blankinship; one sister, Billie Ruth Strickland; and two brothers, Earnest Raymond Blankinship and Larry Dennis Blankinship.The family would like to thank Glory Catchings and her staff and the staff at Star Hospice for the excellent care given to Verna Jo.The family suggests memorials to the donor's favorite charity.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences may be made at: www.npwelch.com ,
