Ruth Gardner Murray

She was born in Greensboro, N.C. on March 18, 1916 to William Onslow Gardner and Mary Alice Johnson Gardner.

She graduated as salutatorian of the class of 1933 of Greensboro High School, after which she did a private business tutelage with Professor Benjamin F. Blakeman of The Blakeman Institute.

She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Mt. Olivet Baptist Church. Mrs. Murray was a principal of Lawrence Bros. Co. Inc. as well as a co-founder of V.G. Murray and Company, Inc., both real estate management firms in Raleigh, N.C.

She was a woman of grace, character, compassion, and love, who because of her many acts of kindness, generosity, and support to others, was known for operating her business as a mission as much as a business. She made a positive difference in people’s lives.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, William C. Gardner; husband, Verlin G. (Bill) Murray; stepsons, Gene O. Murray and Henry H. Murray.

She is survived by a sister-in- law, Louise M. Rizk; daughter, Lora M. Greene and husband, Bobby; sons, V.G. Murray Jr. and wife Jane, Samuel A. Murray and wife, Rosa; beloved stepchildren William V. (Billy) Murray and wife, Barbara, Joan M. Thompson and husband, Jimmy, Carolyn M. Reitz and husband, Ronnie. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 13 step grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. In addition, she is survived by special friend and caretaker, Laura Branch, of Castalia, N.C.

Family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, February 24 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street Raleigh.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, February 25 at Oakwood Cemetery, with Rev. Thomas Vestal and Rev. Sam Gore presiding.

Memorial gifts may be sent to Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, 3500 Edwards Mill Rd. Raleigh, N.C. 27612, or to Transitions LifeCare ( formerly Hospice of Wake County), 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, N.C. 27607.

Let not your heart be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

John 14:1-3