Betty Murray

Betty Boyd Murray (Mimi), a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on January 24th, 2025. She was 94 years young.

Born September 2nd, 1930, Betty spent her early life in Roanoke, Virginia. She earned a degree in Education from James Madison College, after which she married Lawrence Patterson Murray Jr.—a union that would last until his passing 58 years later.

In 1963, Betty moved with Lawrence and their three boys to Hendersonville, Tennessee, where she quickly became a “Tennessean.” She grew so fond of the life she built there that her family never moved again. Her home was filled not only with family and friends, but also a menagerie of pets, including Labrador retrievers, cats, rabbits, ducks, and even squirrels.

Betty was an active member of the Hendersonville First Methodist Church and sang in the choir for many years. She generously gave her time to organizations like Cub Scouts, Meals on Wheels, and Young at Heart. In addition to her community involvement, her crafting talents knew no bounds, and she shared this gift with others in the form of ceramics, cross-stitching, needlepoint, sewing, and knitting. Her hand-decorated Christmas sweatshirts in particular will forever be the envy of all who lay eyes upon them.

A true joy of Betty's life was her role as "Mimi" to a growing family. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and her face would light up with an all-encompassing smile the moment she saw them. Trips to Mimi's house were treasured occasions, with the grandkids trading turns riding the lawnmower, fishing from the dock, (easily) convincing Mimi to give back scratches, and jockeying for the coveted Sesame Street character cups that Mimi saved especially for them.

Betty and Lawrence also created cherished memories during their winter getaways in Venice, Florida, where they cultivated lifelong friendships.

Betty leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, survived by her:

Children: Lawrence E. Murray (Linda) of Magnolia Springs, AL; David P. Murray (Jeanna) of Brentwood, TN; and James B. Murray (Donna) of Gautier, MS

Grandchildren: Melanie Eidson, Alan Murray, Jennifer Smith, Kristin Burke, Heather Harris and Brandon Murray

Great-grandchildren: Madeline Eidson; Isha Murray; Jackson, Parker, Beckett and Leighton Smith; Elias, Emma, Brooks and Blake Burke; Thomas and Susannah Harris.

She is reunited in peace with her husband, Lawrence; parents, Charles Everette Boyd Sr. and Virginia Harvey Boyd; her siblings, Martha Anne Ashworth and Charles Everette Boyd Jr.; and her granddaughter, Melissa Murray.

A celebration of Betty's life will be held on March 1, 2025, at Hendersonville Memorial Gardens, 353 E. Main Street, Hendersonville, TN 37075. Visitation will take place from 10:00 to 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.