Vernita Gray, gay rights advocate, dies of cancer

Vernita Gray, a longtime LGBT activist and half of the first same-sex couple married in Illinois, died Tuesday night after a lengthy battle with breast cancer. She was 65.

Gray and her wife, Pat Ewart, were legally wed on November 27, after they successfully sued to move forward the implementation of full marriage equality in the state from its original June 1, 2014 date.

A regular presence at the annual Chicago Pride Parade every year since 1970, Gray helped start the city's first gay and lesbian helpline from her apartment, and sheltered teens in her home who were kicked out by their families because they were gay, lesbian or transgender.

Gray was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996, fighting the disease until it took a turn for the worse two years ago.

She and Ewart were engaged in 2009, but fearing she would not live to see June 1, the couple filed a lawsuit to marry early. U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Durkin granted their request, and their marriage license was hand-delivered by officials from the Cook County Clerk's office.

"I’m so excited for us and for the community, for today is a beginning," she said on her wedding day. "One so richly deserved.”

Gray passed away Tuesday night, just before midnight, Ewart at her side.

[Windy City Times] [Chicago Sun Times]