Sister Estell Gregory was called to her Heavenly home on July 30, 2026 from the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia. She was born on September 11, 1950 in Buckingham County, VA, to James D. and Irene Chambers Cottrell.

Estell joined Union Hill Baptist Church at an early age and remained dedicated and active until her death. She served on the Usher Board, Junior and
Senior Choirs, Food Committee, and currently held the position as President of the Community Fund Committee.

She graduated from Carter G. Woodson High School in 1969. Estell worked several jobs before she was employed by Uniroyal in Scottsville, VA, where she worked for over 30 years. She only retired after the plant closed down.

Estell was united in Holy Matrimony to Ralph Gregory on May 5, 1979. She was a loving wife and dedicated her life to church and family. In her spare time, she enjoyed solving word puzzles and watching Lifetime movies on television. She joined the Buckingham Active Seniors Group (BAS), and rarely missed a meeting, function, or sponsored trip.

Our ”Number One Sister”, as she called herself , (and yes, we went with the program) would call her sister, Thelma and brother, Aubrey on a daily basis to see what was going on. She was a loving person, but could be real bossy at times. She had no problems saying what was on her mind. To know Estell was to love Estell. She was a very loving person, who was always willing to help others without expecting anything in return.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Deacon James and Deaconess Irene Cottrell; her husband, Ralph Gregory; brothers, Edward and Dwight
Cottrell; nephews, George and Kenja.

She leaves to cherish her memories: one sister, Thelma (Phillip); one brother, Aubrey (Loretta); one niece, Lillie; two great nieces, Quiana and A’nija;
two great-great nephews, Levi and AzaRiah; one great-great niece, Azhani; and host of other relatives and friends. Although she is no longer in our sight, her loving memories will live in our hearts for a very, very long time.