Mildred Murray

Mildred Marie Norful Murray was born on July 30, 1939, in Mt. Holly, Arkansas, to Douglas Norful, Sr., and Rowena Thompson Norful. The Lord played a musical tune on Sunday, February 11, 2024, and called our beloved sister home.

Affectionately called Granny-Mama by her grandchildren and those close to them, Mildred was a much sought-after seamstress to El Dorado, Mt. Holly, Magnolia, and surrounding areas. Her talents were often in demand for weddings and special occasions. She was also known for her one-of-a-kind potato salad and sweet potato pie. 

Mildred was a 1958 graduate of New Hope High School in Mt. Holly. In 2023, she was awarded "Oldest Alumni Member" at the Mt. Holly School Alumni Banquet. She was very proud of this accomplishment. She was an active member of the alumni committee, serving as financial secretary and hosting meetings at her home until her health deteriorated. 

Mildred was employed by the Mt. Holly Public School District for 24 years until she retired in 2006. 

At an early age, Mildred joined St. Matthew CME Church and remained an active member until the church closed its doors. She then became a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Mt. Holly, Arkansas, where she was a member of the choir. She remained an active member until her health failed. Then, she would call in and listen to the church services or watch them via Zoom video. 

On August 28, 1963, Mildred united in holy matrimony to Abel L. Williams. To that union, one child, Barbara, was born. She later married the love of her life, Otis Murray, on October 20, 2001.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Douglas Norful, Sr., and Rowena Thompson Norful; two sisters, Dorothy Jean Norful and Clara B. Johnson; two brothers, Charlie Norful and Douglas Norful, Jr.; husband, Otis Murray; and son, James Otis Murray. 

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her daughters: Barbara Williams, Daisy Murray Thomas, Patsy Beasley, Maxcine Murray Neal, Ednarene Murray-Rodgers (Larry) and Linda Murray-Fantroy; sons, Moses Murray (Betty) and Milton Murray; and two brothers, John H. Norful (Brenda) and Jacques Sturgis (Wanda). 

Grandchildren: Melody Hall (Bashinne), Brandi McGhee, Allison George, Regina Thomas, Cedrick Thomas, Tarnazine Murray, Tarnequa Murray, Marie Murray, Linda Murray, James Murray, Karla Rodgers-Jones, Ashley Rodgers, Carlos Murray, Fredrick Murray, Vanessa Murray and Abdul Fantroy. Great Grandchildren: Roderick Armstead, Joseph Hall, Gabriella Hall, Reighan Stone, Breauna Hall, Christian McGhee, Tristan McGhee II, Alyse Moore, Bernard Murray, Charleston Murray, Jasmine McElwee, Jace Wilson, Maliyah Creer, Amari Creer and Joy Trotter. Great-Great Grandchild: Serenity Armstead

Special Niece: Rashonda Osberry and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.