Elaine Gray Staton

Elaine G. Staton passed away on July 3, 2026. She was born on October 10, 1941, in Chilton County, Alabama, to Sidney Paul Gray and Arlie Mae (Hull) Gray as the third of six children.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Arlie Mae Gray; her stepmother, Elsie Gray; her brothers, Ferrel Gray and Carl Gray; her sisters-in-law, Ellen Gray and Linda Gray; her niece, Debbie Roberson; and her nephew, Donald Burdette.

She is survived by her sister, Jeanette Burdette; her brothers, Paul Gray and James Gray (Jean); her nieces and nephews, Alisa Gray-Fassold (Jim), Judith Gray (Gwenn), Karen Gray, Tim Gray (Michele), Tony Gray, Todd Gray (Holly), Justin Gray (Sherry), Lori Gray-Knight (Chris), Roger Burdette, Ritchie Burdette (Jessica) and Frankie Roberson; as well as numerous cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Elaine graduated from Verbena High School before attending Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and graduate school at Southeastern Bible College in Laurel, Mississippi. She enjoyed a long and successful career in administration with Foster & Richardson in Greenville, South Carolina; Willis Corroon Corporation in Greenville, South Carolina; and the Alabama Cooperative Extension offices serving Chilton County and Auburn.

Elaine lived a life filled with love for her family and friends, and the loss of that love is felt deeply by all who knew her. She will be remembered for her fierce independence, playful nature, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor. She was an avid historian, devoted family documentarian, passionate reader, and dedicated gardener.

She made the most wonderful collard greens you've ever tasted, though her sweet tea left a lot to be desired.

Elaine was compassionate, caring, and generous. She lovingly cared for her parents in their later years. She was an adventurous companion—and an equal-part troublemaker—with her sister Jeanette and her niece Debbie. She was the fun-loving aunt who never outgrew playing with her nieces and nephews, and she was a loyal friend to everyone who knew her.

While her passing has left a hole in our hearts, we are grateful for the peace she has now found.

A memorial service and celebration of Elaine's life will be held on July 25, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at:

Bethany Baptist Church 9212 County Road 49 Verbena, AL 36091