Joelena M. "Mikki" Gray

“Mikki” Gray, born to Joseph McKnight and Lily Walker in Philadelphia, PA on July 23, 1973, left a legacy filled with love, warmth, and a zest for life. Throughout her life, Mikki embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, establishing several boutiques in Junction City, including the beloved Mickey's Plus Size Boutique. At her boutique, she offered incense, oils, candles, and novelty gifts, bringing joy to her customers with every visit.

Mikki's caring nature extended to her work as a Registered Nurse. She continued her education and refresher courses at Barton Community College, Brown Mackie College, and Manhattan Technical College. She dedicated her time to making a difference in the lives of others. She worked at the Juvenile Detention Center as a CO and, more recently, at the CSL Plasma Donation Center in Manhattan, KS. A devoted member of the Order of Eastern Star in Washington, DC, Mikki cherished her community and found solace in her membership.

Mikki was not only a skilled entrepreneur and dedicated professional but also a loving mother. Her sons, Trey and Kenney, hold dear the memories of her delicious seafood nights, soul food, and chicken Alfredo meals. Mikki's passion for cooking brought comfort and joy to her family's hearts.

In her leisure time, Mikki found happiness in video gaming, playing spades, and dominoes. She had a special place in her heart for her beloved dogs (China, Drako, and Spade) and fish, including a treasured red-belly piranha and a jaguar fish. Mikki was a radiant presence in her family's life. She held her family and animals closest to her heart. Mikki's infectious smile and outgoing personality touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Mikki's legacy also includes the cherished family memories she created. One of the most unforgettable moments was a family vacation when her sons, Kenney and Trey, and husband, Kenney, Sr. embarked on to Jacksonville and Orlando, Florida. They made the journey with Trey's best friend, Elijah, in tow. Together, they explored the sights, enjoyed meals on a boat close to the shoreline, and had a blast on go-karts, where the boys couldn't resist the fun of crashing into each other.

Mikki's adventurous spirit even led her to introduce Trey to what she fondly called a "chicken nugget" during the Florida trip, which turned out to be a fried crocodile! They marveled at baby crocodiles in a tank at a restaurant on the shoreline, creating lasting memories that will forever be cherished. In this time of mourning, we remember Mikki Gray as a beacon of love, compassion, and joy. She will forever be cherished in our hearts.

Mikki faced the loss of her husband, Kenneth Gray, Sr., in July of 2022. She leaves in faith her two sons, Trey J. Gray (Ari E. Smith, girlfriend) and Kenneth A. Gray Jr. (Junction City), her son from another mother, Elijah Z. Evans (Junction City), and a daughter, Shawnette McKnight (Chester, Pennsylvania), to carry on her memory. Extended love family include Uncle Travis Boyd and Auntie Dr. Crystal J. Davis.

May she rest in eternal peace. All is well, Mikki is complete. And so it is. Amen.

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