Thelma Murray

Thelma Lois Jackson Murray of San Antonio and formerly of Melvin passed to the peace of heaven on Sunday, November 27th, 2022, at the age of 100 years and two months. She was born on September 28, 1922, on a farm near Rochelle, McCullough County, Texas, as the second of 6 children to parents Virgil L. and Nancy L. Williams Jackson. Thelma graduated from Rochelle High School in 1939, after which she entered nursing school at Brady Hospital. She married Raymond O. Murray of Salt Gap, Texas, on May 15, 1943, while he was in Army training in Valparaiso, Indiana. She then moved with him to various Army assignments where she worked in civilian nursing jobs. After returning home following the War, they lived at Salt Gap, Doole, and Melvin, Texas, where son, James O. Murray and daughter Barbara L. Murray were born and reared. Thelma Murray was a very friendly person, always willing and able to get to know everyone in her presence very quickly. Throughout the years this natural ability enabled her to make others feel comfortable and bring together members of whatever group or organization in which she has been involved. She was known for her positive attitude and the ability to find the best in any given situation. Thelma was always a very supportive and encouraging person to family, friends, and newcomers. Thelma served Salt Gap, Doole, and Melvin Baptist churches in numerous way such teaching youth and adult Bible study, leading the women's mission support effort, and as the church secretary/treasurer. She was a devoted Christian servant through church and community activities, giving of her time and compassion to help others. During the years rearing a family, she was very involved in school activities, PTA, and other social organizations. For years Thelma enjoyed sewing, including making many dresses for her granddaughters, quilting, gardening, reading, and many different handcrafts. In her recent years she enjoyed putting together jigsaw puzzles and using them to help visitors and nurses feel at ease and release stress when visiting. She was an election judge for many years, and served as a president of the Heart of Texas Historical Museum and on the museum board of directors, a relationship which led to her assisting in the preparation of historical books about McCulloch County. Thelma probably contributed more to the strengthening of the core values of love, compassion, and tolerance in those who have known her than we can know. Now, as Thelma is experiencing the glories of heaven for which she has longed and anticipated, we rejoice for her and thank the Lord for the heritage she has left with family and friends. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter, as well as siblings Pauline Galaway, Jewel Turner, Novella Roberts, Don Jackson, James Jackson, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by son, James and wife Judy of San Antonio TX; granddaughter Christina M. Murray of Little Elm, TX; granddaughter Stephanie L. Gross, husband Jeff and great-grandsons Braeden and Mason of Frisco TX; grandson Jonathan Zachary of Albuquerque NM; sisters-in-law Floy Marshall Jackson and Louise Allen Jackson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. There will be a celebration of her life and service at 10:00 am Saturday, December 17th, 2022, at Heritage Funeral Home in Brady and burial following at Melvin Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Brady.

Thelma Murray

September 28, 1922 - November 27, 2022