Gray, Wil Lou (1883-1984). Educator, public servant. A native of Laurens, Gray graduated from Columbia College in 1903, and accepted a teaching position in a one-room rural schoolhouse in Greenwood County. This experience opened her eyes to the poverty, illiteracy, and public indifference to the problems in her region. In 1915, while serving as supervisor of rural schools in Laurens County, she formed her first adult night school. From this humble beginning she emerged as a leader in adult education. From 1921 to 1946 Gray served as South Carolina Superintendent of Adult Education. She devoted her life and career to creating opportunities to learn for disadvantaged people. Wil Lou Gray transcended race and class barriers by focusing her energy on the eradication of illiteracy through progressive educational program designed for adults.
Gray, Wil Lou (1883-1984)
