Frances G Murrell

Frances Gwin Murrell died on February 6th, 2023 following a brief illness. She was born on December 9th, 1936, to parents George Ross Murrell II and Amelie de Lesseps Ellis Murrell. Frances was reared in Baton Rouge before moving with her family to New Jersey. Frances was a trailblazer in her education and in her work. She attended the University of Virginia and studied drafting. She later continued her studies at Louisiana State University. In her professional life, Frances rendered bridges for the Louisiana State Department of Transportation. She later worked as the only woman in the drafting department of Exxon in Baton Rouge. In addition to pursuing education and working in a male dominated profession, Frances enjoyed traveling the world and learning about other people and cultures. From seeing kangaroos in their natural habitat to selecting hand carved nativity figures in Italy, Frances appreciated all the beauty and gifts this world had to offer. In her retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her dog, Serendipity, and loved bird watching and painting pysanky eggs. She had an eye for color, form and beauty. Frances was a beloved sister, aunt, and friend. Her life was a model for Christian hope and charity. She was kind, generous, and loyal to a fault. Frances was a member of Trinity Episcopal Church of Baton Rouge. She supported the Trinity Episcopal Day School, the music program at Trinity and efforts to preserve and expand the music program. After moving to St. James Place, Frances attended the services led by Father Jerry Phillips. She often participated in the service by reading the lessons. Frances was beloved by all who were privileged to know her. She will be greatly missed. Frances is preceded in death by her parents, George Ross Murrell II and Amelie Murrell, and her brother George Ross Murrell, III. She is survived by her sister Margaret Murrell Derrick, and husband Alan, of Chester, New Jersey, and her brother Eugene Ellis Murrell of Baton Rouge. She will be greatly missed by her nieces Eleanor Ross Murrell of Denham Springs, and Kathleen Ellis Murrell of Lafayette, and nephews Michael Murrell of Gulf Breeze, Fl, Robert Butler Murrell of Fayetteville, AR., David Allen Derrick of York, PA, John Ross Derrick of Annandale NJ, and Ross Murrell Derrick of Prosper, TX. The family wishes to thank the wonderful caregivers at St. James Place, the staff of Audubon Hospice, and especially Earline Holmes, as well as the medical professionals who cared for her in her illness. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Endowment Fund at Trinity in the name of Frances Murrell.