Rosa Moore Murray

Born in Greensboro, NC, on July 28, 1924, the daughter of Eugene Russell Moore, Jr and Sue White Moore, Rosa lived her early years in Norfolk, Virginia and moved to Raleigh in 1938 where she attended Hugh Morson High School. She was involved in a variety of activities including Student Council, Glee Club, cheerleading, tennis, was an honor graduate and received the senior superlative award for “The Most Athletic Female.” After graduating in 1942, she attended Peace College for a year, then entered the workforce for a few years, working at the NC Highway Commission.

Rosa married the love of her life, Ed Murray, in 1948 at First Presbyterian Church where they were faithful members throughout their lifetimes. They sang in the Chancel Choir and were devoted members of the Koinonia Sunday School Class. Rosa was also active in her circle and in Presbyterian Women, where she received the Honorary Life Membership Award in 1976, following in the footsteps of her mother, Sue Moore, who received the award in 1957. Rosa found great satisfaction in crocheting blankets for babies born at First Presbyterian, and eventually for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren (Yes, she was thinking way ahead!).

When asked recently by a grandchild what she liked most about Ed, she said, “Well, everything!” They were quite a team, Rosa and Ed, always willing to help each other and their 4 children with whatever the need, swimming or baseball practices, dance or piano lessons, activities at church, youth choir rehearsals in their home, school projects, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, family time at the beach. They were God-focused, family-focused and others-focused. Unfortunately, after 28 years of marriage, Ed had a massive heart attack and died in 1977. Rosa’s faith, family, church family and friends were there to help her grieve.

In 1980, Rosa became a Legislative Assistant in the N.C. General Assembly, serving Representatives, Sam Bundy, Walter Jones and Robert Barbee, over a period of 25+ years. She made many friends at the legislature, from kitchen staff to clerks to legislators. Four years ago, she was honored for her years of faithful service in the legislature, receiving a NC state flag from Representative Mitchell Setzer.

Rosa was a wonderful cheerleader for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also cheered for the UNC Tar Heels and loved wearing her Tar Heel earrings! For years, Rosa enjoyed doing a monthly Meals on Wheels route with her friend, Evelyn. She also loved being a part of the A La Ronde bookclub, garden club, bridge club, dinner groups, the Women’s Club of Raleigh, and often met with friends at the K&W in Cameron Village . . . all this to say, Rosa loved people, and people loved Rosa. To the question, “What do you want people to remember about you?”, she answered without hesitation, “That I liked to laugh.” And did she ever! She was so much FUN! From participating in skits at church to making funny homemade cards for friends to making silly faces, there was laughter wherever Rosa was.

Rosa’s brother, E.R. “Jack” Moore, Jr and sister, Jeanette Page, preceded her in death.

Rosa is survived by her four children: Susan Murray, Lillian Poole (Jim), Ann Moore, and Edward Murray III; her grandchildren: Jimmy Poole, Matthew Poole (Ashley), Christopher Poole (Maury), Bobby Moore, Edward Murray IV (fiancé Spencer), Jack Murray, and Jefferson Murray; and her great-grandchildren: Lilly, Parker, Wilde Poole; Hattie, Lydia, Iris Poole; Porter, Grady Poole. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, David Murray, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Huang for his excellent care of their mother through the years. We also thank Mom’s amazing caregivers during the past 4 years: Nelly, Kani, Lynn, Beth, Veronica, Shirley, Joyce, Gloria and Florence. And most recently, we thank Transitions LifeCare Hospice for their help and support the past few weeks.

A private graveside service was held on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at Montlawn Memorial Park.

UPDATED INFORMATION AS OF 6/1/21 : A celebration of Rosa's life will be held on Thursday, June 17th at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. A reception will immediately follow the service in the Lisa Ham Gathering Space at First Presbyterian.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 112 S. Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

Services provided by Brown-Wynne, Saint Mary's St., Raleigh, NC.