Able to interact with anyone in a positive manner, Patricia Joyce Gray excelled as a legal association administrator. She came from a family who didn’t believe women should go to college, so she ventured into the workforce right out of high school. Ms. Gray did so well as a receptionist and clerk at Nationwide Finance that she caught the attention of her peers and higher-ups. The person who had formerly held her position, Loraine Dewart, was looking for someone to go into court with a judge and take shorthand notes. Ms. Gray was hired, and the rest is history. She began to learn more and more of the inner workings of the courtroom, enough so that she started moving up the ranks. Over the years, Ms. Gray served the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nevada as the deputy clerk, chief deputy clerk, chief clerk, and clerk administrator. Her responsibilities came to include hiring and firing, budgeting for space and facilities, and keeping the judges happy. She retired in 2007.
Outside of the courtroom, Ms. Gray was very active in her community. She was a member of the Bankruptcy Work Measurement Subcommittee of the Committee Administration Bankruptcy System of the Judicial Conference of the United States, a member of the training education committee of the Bankruptcy Courts of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and a member of the local rules subcommittee for the District of Nevada, among other positions. Ms. Gray also maintains life membership with the National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks. To further her professional standing, she completed coursework at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The highlight of Ms. Gray’s career was interacting with the court personnel and attorneys. She treated everyone with respect and received respect in return. Looking back, she hopes to be remembered as trustworthy and capable. When she said something or made a promise, she always followed through.
In her spare time, Ms. Gray enjoys reading, pottery, and gardening. She also assists with church projects for the homeless.