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Theresa Murray, loving wife, mother and grandmother, died peacefully in her sleep at 81.
Theresa Murray possessed an impeccable sense of style and a flair for life. She was a devoted wife, a caring mother and a doting grandmother. She died Wednesday morning in Greenville, Texas in the home she designed and lived in for 39 years. Her husband, USAF Ret. Lt. Col. John Murray, was by her side.
Theresa known to all as Terry, was born in Brooklyn, New York on April 25, 1926 into a large Irish family. She was the daughter of John and Bessie Casey. She was predeceased by four brothers and three sisters and is survived by her sisters, Betty Coison and Peggy McGovern. As a child, Terry, a die-hard Brooklyn Dodgers fan, excelled in playing stick-ball on the streets of Brooklyn. Often the youngest player, her cute face and girlish charm were employed when necessary to pacify meddling policemen. Years later, in England, she would win a live pig in a church bowling tournament by defeating her husband's fellow officers.
Terry married John in 1945. The clashing pilot and the Brooklyn beauty made a picture perfect couple. They would love each other for the next sixty three years of their lives . While her future husband flew missions over in Asia during WWII, Terry stayed busy by modeling in New York working to help support her parents. After the war she and her husband traveled the world, living in England and Japan, amoung other places. She made dear friends everywhere she went.
Terry was the loving mother of Bill and Sharon Murray, Laura Murray, Nancy Murray and Jim Feuille. She dedicated herself to her children's well being and made sure they were given opportunities she never had. Later in life, she was blessed with the greatest joy of her life, her grandchildren. Terry was the proud grandmother of Chris, Alex, Colin, Connor, Catherine and Claire who affectionately referred to her as "Boma" (or some derivation of the nickname. She often remarked that the last twenty five years of her life were perhaps her happiest because of the joy her grandchildren brought her.
Those who knew Terry were struck by her energy, elegance and warmth. Dressed in one of her favorite outfits, she could instantly charm a roomful of people. She gave tremendous hugs and made sure that those she loved knew she loved them. The night before she died, she remarked how happy it made her that everyone in her family was doing so well. Terry was cherished and loved, and will be so very much pleased.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, February 23rd at 1 P.M. in Commerce at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2211 Monroe St. Father George O. Monaghan will be officiating. Per request of the family no visiation is scheduled.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Dallas Division 1615 Stemmons Freeway, Dallas, TExas 75207-8806 or the Arthritis Foundation, North Texas Chapter, 2824 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75204-5965.
Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.