Carole Murray

She was born Carole Sue Johnson on June 16, 1937, in Anjier, North Carolina. She was the fourth daughter of Halford “Hap” Johnson and Sadie (Giles) Johnson. She lived in several cities in North Carolina as a child and then resided for her final 2 years of high school in Jacksonville, North Carolina with her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Albert Rachide.

She met her future husband, Richard B Murray, in Jacksonville and was married in 1954. They moved to Evansville, Indiana in 1956 where he was employed as a research pharmacist at Mead Johnson. She was comfortable for remainder of her life to be known as “Mrs. Richard B Murray”. Carole and Dick had 2 children, Elizabeth and Glen, and she initially was a stay-at-home mom. She was involved in multiple activities during this time including being a Girl Scout Leader, a Pink Lady volunteer at Deaconess Hospital, a participant in the Adopt-a-Patient program at Evansville State Hospital and an Adult Literacy Tutor, teaching non-reading adults. She was a member of Christ Lutheran Church and participated in youth and women’s groups.

In 1970, she returned to school at Indiana State University (Evansville) to resume her education. She completed her degree in Elementary Education in 1974 and went on to obtain her Masters degree in Elementary Education and Reading in 1981. She taught at North High School from 1976 until her retirement, where she was Faculty Advisor of National Honor Society and participated in the Teacher’s Talent Show (although she could never carry a tune).

During this time, the family suffered the untimely death of Richard in 1972.

In her lifetime, she enjoyed multiple activities such as traveling with friends and family, reading, skiing trips, senior exercise groups and working crossword puzzles. She had a great sense of humor and her specialty was a rendition of the Happy Birthday song tailored for each recipient every year to be left on voice mail.

However, her greatest love was interacting with her children, and then grandchildren and great grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to spend time with them, bring them up in conversation or show pictures, right up to the time of her death.

She is survived by her son, Glen R Murray and his wife, Louise of Marietta, Georgia; her daughter, Elizabeth M Ashworth of Vincennes, Indiana; her beloved friend Carol Montgomery and her sisters Shirley Rachide and Glenda (Polly) Medder in North Carolina. She is also survived by her grandchildren Nathan (Megan), John (Rayven) and Kinsey Ashworth of Indianapolis, and great-grandchildren Pepper, Corbin, Wren and Averie. She is survived by multiple nieces and nephews, but was particularly close to Beverly Rachide, Jean Rachide, Terry McClay and Arlene Medder.

She loved several friends who were a great blessing to her during her lifetime, including Brenda and Cameron Mobley, Phyllis McAtee, Bret Ashby and Jeff Whitlock.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, Richard B Murray, and her sister, Dorothy Clasby.

A celebration of her life by family will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the donor’s charity of choice.

Condolences may be offered online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.