Colleen M McMurray

Colleen graduated from Piqua HS in 1947 and The Ohio State University in 1951 with a degree in Social Work. In 1995 she received a Distinguished Service Award from the university for her work as a representative of the College of Social Work to the Alumni Advisory Council. She was a leader in the recruitment of African American students, a strong curriculum advocate and worked diligently to raise funds for college programming.

Colleen retired after a long career as a social worker, during which she worked with the Franklin County Juvenile Court, Boys Industrial Correctional Institution, Franklin County Welfare Department, and the State of Ohio Department of Human Services.

She was a proud member of Altrusa International of Columbus and St. Philip’s Episcopal Church where she served in multiple leadership positions. In 2015, Colleen was inducted into the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging’s Senior Citizen Hall of Fame for her many years of volunteer service to her community.

Colleen was sassy, stylish and beautiful in every way. She will be remembered for her strong independence, adventurous spirit, passion for cooking, and above all, her unwavering commitment to family. She enjoyed long drives in the country on Sunday afternoons and watching her beloved Buckeye football and basketball teams.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles McMurray, daughter, Kim McMurray Rhodes, parents, Emerson and Viola Clemens. She leaves to mourn her loving memory, son, Mark (Audra) McMurray, son-in-law, Warren Rhodes, Rickey (Melissa) Dudley, grandchildren, Kyle McMurray, Mariah and Mallory Rhodes, sisters, Wanda Hill, and Rebecca Jackson along with many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

A very special thank you to Faye Nichelson, Rita and Sarah Klotz for being with mom in her final hours and to the staff, care team and her new friends at Cherry Blossom Senior Living Community who made her final months so memorable.

Services will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Philip Episcopal Church, 166 Woodland Ave, Columbus, Ohio 43203. Visitation will take place from 11am to 1pm with the funeral service at 1pm. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Charitable contributions to St. Philip Episcopal Church would be appreciated.