Verdelle Connell Gray

Verdelle Connell Gray, 96, passed away on Monday, September 22, 2015 at Asheville Health Care Center. A native of Los Angeles County, CA, she was a resident of Buncombe County since 1961. She was the daughter of the late David Walter Connell and Rosine Thatcher Connell. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ward Gray, a past director of the Southern Highland Craft Guild; and half brother, Lawrence David Connell. Verdelle married Robert Ward Gray on the 24th of June 1944, and they lived briefly in Florida and then moved to New England. Both Verdelle and Bob attended and gradated from the School for American Craftsman in Rochester, NY. Upon moving to Asheville, NC, Verdelle and Bob became very active in the Southern Highland Craft Guild and both became lifetime members. Verdelle began a long career of producing pottery. Her early background in ballet prompted her to produce a dancing Frog from clay, and she later became know as the Frog Lady at craft fairs. Verdelles work has been exhibited all over the county, and as far away as Belgium and India. Verdelle, as well as her clay artistry, will long be remembered. Surviving are her Sister-in-law, Katrine Gray and Family of Asheville; brother-in-law, Stanley Gray and Family of Virginia; and many nieces, nephews and extended family. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. Anders-Rice Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to CarePartners Foundation, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813. To sign Mrs. Grays guestbook online, please go to Memorials at www.andersrice.com.