Ms. Renessa Gray

Renessa (“Nessa”) Gray was born on November 19, 1975, in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Tommy L. and Linda G. Gray. She was the eldest of two children raised in a loving military family. Renessa peacefully entered eternal rest on July 27, 2026, at 12:52 a.m. at University Hospital in San Antonio, Texas.
Because of her family’s military service, Renessa spent her childhood in several places, including Oklahoma, Germany, Texas, and California. She graduated from Judson High School in Converse, Texas, with the Class of 1994 and later attended St. Philip’s College.
Renessa was determined to live an independent life. She completed a six-week independent living program through the Center for Independent Living (COIL), which provided her with the skills and confidence to move into her first apartment—an accomplishment that reflected her strength, determination, and resilience.
In May 1999, Renessa married Robert Madison Strait. Their union was blessed with their beloved son, Robert Thomas Strait, affectionately known as “RT” and “Lil Robert,” who was born prematurely on November 30, 1999. Renessa’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a mother. Her son was the center of her world, and she loved him deeply. As his parents’ health declined, Robert Thomas went to live with his grandparents, Tommy and Linda Gray, in Warner Robins, Georgia. He graduated from Houston County High School in 2018 and enlisted in the United States Air Force in December of that year. He currently serves as a Staff Sergeant stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Renessa was a creative entrepreneur who enjoyed making handcrafted beaded bracelets through her small business. She loved spending time with friends, going to the movies, enjoying her favorite seafood meals, and, in her younger years, bowling. She treasured the simple moments, and lasting memories shared with those she loved. Her warm spirit, kind heart, and genuine love for others touched everyone who knew her.
Renessa was preceded in death by her former husband, Robert Madison Strait.
She leaves to cherish her memory her beloved son, Staff Sergeant Robert Thomas Strait; her parents, Tommy L. and Linda G. Gray of San Antonio, Texas; her sister, Dr. Kimberly Gray (Dr. Sola Kolade) of Spring, Texas; her niece, Dara Kolade; her nephew, Joshua Kolade; and her godbrothers, Willie (Shelie) Whitley of San Antonio, Texas, and Jeffery Whitley of Denton, Texas.
She is also survived by her aunts, great-aunts, uncles, great-uncle, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom will forever cherish her memory.
Renessa’s life was a testament to love, perseverance, independence, and the importance of family. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.