Frances Gray

Frances Gray, affectionately known as Fran, was born on April 26, 1954, in Long Branch, New Jersey. She peacefully transitioned on July 15, 2025, at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey.

Fran graduated with a degree in cosmetology from Monmouth County Vocational High School in Asbury Park in 1972. After graduation she attended Kean University in Union, NJ. In 1984 she was awarded a 12-month scholarship to Jersey City College in Jersey City, New Jersey for winning the top hairstylist competition.

Fran is known for her excellence in hair styling and make up. She was employed for over 13 years with Soft Sheen products in Chicago, Illinois. She was also employed at Dudleys Products, in High Point, North Carolina, as a platform artist, professional hairstylist, and make-up artist for high fashion magazine photo shoots, television fashion shows, trade shows, and new hair product introductions. She had worked in many international locations such as Paris, Brazil and the Caribbean Islands. She also provided hair styling and make-up services for numerous fashion shows given by Carl Williams (Mr. Fashions) throughout New York and New Jersey.

Frances owned and operated Fran’s Beauty Whirl in Neptune and Fran’s Beauty Whirl Two in Freehold, both of which were very well-known hair salons. She was also the principal hairstylist and makeup artist for the James Hunt Funeral Home. Her expertise continued with a thriving business providing wedding consulting services.

Frances was a life member of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. She was also a faithful and very dedicated member of the Neptune Lions Club. Her passion for helping others was evident as she distributed free coats and hats every winter from her beauty salon. She thoroughly enjoyed volunteering her time and her professional services to local area nursing homes.

Fran was a loyal member of Cathedral By The Shore in Asbury Park. She was a strong giving woman with a loving spirit and a passion for helping anyone in need. She was an entrepreneur in her community for 47 years and played an active role in providing numerous scholarships to various children.

As a 30+ year cancer survivor and in spite of all of her medical trials, Fran always met you with a smile that illuminated the room. She was known to offer encouraging thoughts without ever seeking anything in return. She loved on people, and made sure you knew that she loved you.

Fran's greatest concern was the unity of her family. Her beautiful spirit enabled her to become a loving foster parent to more than 34 children, four of whom she adopted. Fran resided in Neptune, New Jersey and has two daughters, four sons and seven grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her mother and stepfather Sadie and Bill Lawrence. She is survived by sons, Vernon Alim, William Buddy, Mikal Jeron, Marcus Rashon, and daughters, Lynn Rawls and Tyra Hughes, one son-in-law, Gregory Hughes II, grandchildren, James Bey, Jeremiah Hill, Gabriel Hill, Mariah Gray, Nehemiah Gray, Zy’aire Gray, Jakai Gray, and one on the way.

She also leaves to cherish her memory her brother, Willie Jerry Davis Jr., her beloved goddaughter, Auslin Williams whom she affectionately called “Ozzie”, her niece, Adrienne Robinson and nephew, Kerry Davis, her sister-friends whom remained by her side through it all, Beverly Crudup, Peola Smith-Smith, Bertha Williams-Pullen and her devoted business partner, sister, mentee, confidante, travel partner, and best friend, Lulu Davis. A host of additional loving family and friends continue to celebrate the life of Fran.

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