Martha Nell Gray (Mama Nell)

With hearts full of love and deep gratitude, we announce the peaceful passing of Martha Nell Richard Ledoux Gray, affectionately known to all as “Mama Nell”, on August 16, 2025, at the age of 91.

Born on January 30, 1934, Nell lived a life that radiated grace, strength, and unwavering faith. She was the cornerstone of her family, a guiding light to her friends, and a beacon of hope to countless others who came to know her simply as Mama Nell. Through her words, her prayers, and her ever-open doors, she created a legacy rooted in the love of God and the strength of family and community.

Faith, family, and friendships were not just values she cherished—they were the very way she lived. Her life was a living testimony, a ministry in motion. Whether through her warm homemade chocolate chip cookies, a gentle hug, or her famous “Listening Ear 101 with Mama Nell” chats, she nurtured the souls of everyone she encountered. Her home and her den were a refuge. Her voice was comfort. Her presence, a blessing.

Mama Nell never met a stranger. If you were in need, you had a mother in her. Her den, her living room, her church pew were sacred spaces where lives were changed. She was a true friend and confidante, trusted by many to hold their stories, their tears, and their triumphs. In every season, she showed up, prayed over, and stood beside the people she loved.

As we mourn the loss of her physical presence, we also celebrate the incredible legacy she leaves behind: a legacy of prayer, kindness, laughter, resilience, and deep, abiding faith. She showed us how to live with purpose and love without limits.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Billy Gray, Sr; daughter in law, Debbie Ledoux; grandson, Ritchie Ledoux (Morgan); and her great-granddaughter, Angel Grace Wheat.

She is survived by her children Darlene Ledoux Domangue (Roy), Richard Mark Ledoux, Denise LeDoux Burstall (Blake), Lynn Ledoux Wells (Daryl), Billy Gray, Jr (Lisa), Dione LeDoux (Jim Bolner), David LeDoux (Kimberly).

She is also lovingly remembered by thirteen grandchildren: Christi Domangue Cameron (Jeremy), Daniel Domangue (Kim), Aimee Wheat (Brad), Ashley Ledoux, Aaron Burstall (Makayla), Tyler Burstall (Allie), Lauren Burstall Wardlow (Kelby), Jared Wells, Leslie Wells Paille (Nathan), Cayle Gray (Brigette), Garrett LeDoux (Sara), Kelsey LeDoux Moore (Jonathan), and Gavin LeDoux.

Her legacy continues in fifteen great-grandchildren, Bryton and Brailyn Cameron, Charley Alaina, Matthew, Abigail, Grayson and Lawson Wheat, Hunner and Brody Ledoux, Ava DeBate, McKenzie, Maddie and Matthew Burstall, Ira Wardlow, and Hiram Paille.

The family invites all who loved Mama Nell to celebrate her wonderful life at Household of Faith Church, 10469 Airline Hwy. Gonzales on Friday August 22 from 5-8pm and again on Saturday, August 23 from 9am until service at 10:30am. Interment will follow at Hope Haven Cemetery, Hwy 30.