Jean Danese Gray

Jean Danese Gray, 68, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, surrounded by a room full of love. Born July 22, 1957, to Louis Jr and Julie Danese, Jean grew up in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville, FL. Jean attended Catholic schools but changed to Wolfson Senior High School for her senior year, where she graduated in 1975.

Not long after high school, she worked at Steak and Ale, where she met and made lifelong friends. Through these friendships, Jean then met her husband of 47 years, Cliff, and they married in December of 1977. Jean and Cliff spent many happy times together in her VW Bug, traveling, and time spent on the shrimp boat, just to name a few. Jean had a love of sunrises and sunsets. Through her love of photography, she had many pictures of the beauty of the sun meeting the horizon. She used to say, "You just had to be there to understand the beauty of it."

Once she returned to land, she started her bookkeeping career at her dad's plumbing company, Danese Plumbing. Jean and Cliff then had their one and only child, Stefanie. Jean did bookkeeping at various companies. She then decided to pursue her love of interior design and went back to school at FCCJ and attained her certification in interior design. She then put this to use when Cliff founded CornerStone Homes. Jean loved running the design center and expressed her creativity while helping others find theirs.

In 2005, shortly after finding out she was expecting her first grandchild, she was diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Like the fighter she has always been, she fought a tough battle and won. Afterwards, Jean stopped working and found enjoyment in being a grandma, caring for her parents, and being active in her church with the CCW. Soon after, she welcomed twin grandsons whom she played a very big role in their upbringing. Jean loved and adored her family and close friends, they were her life and her purpose.

Jean did go back to bookkeeping a few days a week the last few years to give herself something to do, as she hated being bored just sitting around the house. She loved vacationing and being with friends and family enjoying the little things in life. Unfortunately, 17 years later in 2023, her cancer returned this time as Stage 4 Metastatic Breast Cancer in the bones. She fought again, and this time it proved to be a little tougher. Despite it all, she always kept a positive outlook on life and maintained the will to never give up. Towards the end, she was very tired and missed her husband terribly.

Jean is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Cliff. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Stefanie Hall, her adored grandsons, Mason Hall, Grayson, and Parker Thomas. Her Sister Dena Forrester and brothers, Louie, Richard, and Joey Danese; sisters-in-law Beth Jones, Cindy Danese, and Beverly Mitchell; and brother-in-law Bobby Mitchell. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews as well.

Jean's spirit will continue to live on in the memories shared with those she loved. She was a truly amazing person, the best kind of friend, mother, and grandmother. She was always there for her friends, and not a conversation was had without laughter. Her best friends are truly lost and heartbroken over such an incredible loss.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life together. A memorial mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Jacksonville at 1 pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026, followed by a reception at the Family Life Center.

Arrangements under the care of Naugle Funeral Home & Cremation Services 1203 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL. (904)396-1611