Mary Murray Tompkins Black

Mary Murray was born October 20, 1922 in Columbia, SC, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Smyly Tompkins.

Mary Murray found tremendous joy in bringing her family and loved ones together, and never turned down an opportunity to entertain. She was especially well known for her famous cheese biscuits, intricate baby blankets she proudly gifted to others and her annual Christmas Parties.

Throughout her life, Mary Murray was deeply committed to her community and the city of Columbia. She was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, the Assembly Club of Columbia, and held a long career at the Richland County Public Library. She also held a long membership in the Junior League of Columbia, serving as the co-chair of the first Palmetto Trials Horse Race, March 15, 1952, one of her most favored accomplishments combining her love of horses with service to others. An ever-loyal Gamecock, an avid puzzler, a voracious reader and a friend to all, Mary Murray lived a life well loved.

Mary Murray was a lifelong member of her beloved church, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Her family wants to thank her church, especially The Rev. Dane Boston, Dean, The Rev. Jimmy Hartley, Sub-Dean and Canon Pastor, and the entire Pastoral Care team for the love they showed Mary Murray, especially in her final months. Her family also wants to thank Hospice of Columbia for allowing Mary Murray to be cared for in her home, which was so important to her.

Surviving is her daughter, Mary Murray Black Corbett and her granddaughter, Murray Elizabeth Corbett. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Monroe Black, Jr.; son, George Monroe Black, III; and son-in-law, James William Corbett, Jr.

Her family extends enormous gratitude to Mary Murray’s wonderful caregivers for the kindness and love they showed her over the last year of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Pastoral Care Ministries, or the Epworth Children’s Home, a cause very close to Mary Murray’s heart.

A funeral service for Mary Murray will be held at 11:00 am on July 11th at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC. A Reception will follow the service in Satterlee Hall. Burial will be private in Elmwood Cemetery.