Obituaries

LGBT Activist Vernita Gray Has Died

Memorial to be held March 21. She was part of the first gay marriage in Illinois.

One of Chicago’s longest activists for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights has died. Vernita Gray passed away Tuesday, after a long battle with cancer.  She was 65. “This is a very sad time,” family friend Mary Morten tells WGN.  “It’s not as though we didn’t know it was coming, but nonetheless when it happens it’s still shocking, it’s still jarring, and it’s going to be a huge void.”

A memorial will take place March 21 at the Goodman Theatre.


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