Mama Lorraine Norman Murray was born in New York City, New York on April 24, 1936 to the late John Norman and Ophelia Dickson. Sadly her life’s journey ended on Sunday September 8, 2019 with her family by her side at Sacred Journey Hospice, McDonough, Georgia, closing the book on the final chapter of a truly beautiful life.
A devoted, caring and loving family centric person, Mama Lorraine moved to St. Louis, Missouri shortly after her 16th birthday to help care for an ailing grandmother. After returning to New York, she later relocated south to St. Simons Island, Georgia where she met and married the late William (Billy) Murray. It was in 1977 on St. Simons Island where her spiritual foundation began, along with dedicated her life to Christ, she proudly served as a member of the usher board at St. Paul Baptist Church, St. Simons Island, Georgia. In her quest for greater knowledge and understanding of the scripture, she joined The Golden Isles Christian Fellowship Church, Gardi, Georgia before making it to her final and most cherished sanctuary, The Greater Works Ministries, Brunswick, Georgia. Throughout her Christian journey, she worked faithfully teaching and spreading her passion; the gospels of Christ to those who would listen. She always kept the faith by exemplifying a Sprit of Excellence in all facets of her life.
A long standing member of the St. Simons Island community, she worked many years at the World Famous Sea Pack Corporation and later retired from the services division at Epworth By the Sea. She loved the Lord, her family and good seafood and wasn’t afraid to say it. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
Mama Lorraine was preceded in death by her three brothers, Kenneth, Leon and her twin brother Lance. She leaves to mourn from her passing three sons: Kenneth Norman (Jewerenda) of Atlantic City, New Jersey; Victor Murray (Carlleen) of Fayetteville, Georgia and David Murray (Glenda) of St. Simons Island, Georgia; two daughters: Ophelia Mays (Phillip) of Brunswick, Georgia and Pamela Austin (Rev. Dr. Michael) of Locust Grove, Georgia; twelve grandchildren, Michael Norman, Jonathan Carter, Reneisha Norman, Ashley Murray, Victor Murray Jr., Michonda Austin, Victoria Murray, Michael Austin Jr., Davesha Murray, Danesha Murray, David Murray Jr and jerome Graham; one godchild; Arthur Mitchell Jr., close friends, Vern Mitchell, Lucretia Fice, Jane Brungraff and a host of other sorrowing relatives and friends.
Mama Lorraine was never the one for seeking accolades or praises, she would only quote the lyrics of the song by the Consolers when somebody gave her recognition;
“May the Work I’ve Done, Speak for Me”
