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June 27, 2009

Gray crowned

chosen as 26th Founder’s Day Queen forty-two years after the first one

John Walker

DUNCAN — Forty-two years after Pee Wee Cary crowned Duncan’s first Founder’s Day Queen, the tradition continued Saturday at the Antique Market Place and Tea Room on Main Street.

Johna Faye Cordell Gray, 91, was crowned the 26th Founder’s Day Queen by 92-year-old former Founder’s Day Queen Loretta Lewis Howell.

“I have been blessed with so many events in my life,” Gray said. “Today is one of those events. I am truly blessed and I’ll do the best I can to be a good representative.”

Gray was joined Saturday by four other Founder’s Day Queens: Doris Waldeen Weldon Stokes, Mary Lois Sampson, Howell and Ella Mae Best Howell.

Cary was excited about the crowning Saturday.

“I appreciate so many from the community being here,” Cary said. “As long was we have people coming, we’ll continue to do it.”

Duncan Vice-mayor Ricky Mayes was on hand to give Gray a proclamation proclaiming Saturday to be “Johnna Faye Cordell Gray Day” in the city.

Also on hand was Oklahoma Senator Anthony Sykes and Representative Dennis Johnson to give Gray a presentation from the governor, lt. governor and legislature.

“You have the reputation of being a great asset to the community,” Sykes said about Gray.

Gray was born on Aug. 1, 1917 in Sealy, Texas. Her family moved to the Duncan area in 1930. She graduated as valedictorian from Duncan High School in 1935.

After Gray married her husband, Cecil, in 1936 they moved to Houston and later to Chicago and New Jersey.

Gray and her burgeoning family moved back to Duncan during World War II while her husband went to war.

She has been here ever since.

The tea room was packed during the ceremony Saturday. Over fifty people showed up to witness the crowning.

Ruth Hefner, who comes to the event every year, said that she loves to show her support for Founder’s Day and the community at large.

“It’s a very interesting event,” Hefner said. “I’d encourage people to honor their country and go to church.”

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