Martha Coppage Murray

Mrs. Murray was born November 3, 1918, in Itta Bena, Mississippi to William Martin Coppage and Nell Marye Williams. She attended a professional business college in Memphis, Tennessee, Angelina Junior College, and Stephen F. Austin University.

She was married for forty-six years to Charles C. Murray, Jr. who had a successful optometric practice in Lufkin. She supported his professional endeavors over many years and raised their two sons, Chuck and Bill. The family were long-time members of First United Methodist Church of Lufkin.

After raising her sons, Mrs. Murray actively participated in the local duplicate and party bridge circles and distinguished herself as a fierce competitor. Her quick mind and no-nonsense approach to life made her a sought after partner and a role model for many. She loved reading, sports, and current events and enjoyed discussing each interest with understanding and definite opinions. While her friends at the bridge table brought her great pleasure, her greatest satisfaction came from raising her family, maintaining her home, and living an authentic life.

Mrs. Murray was preceded in death by her husband Charles C. Murray, Jr.; her parents; two brothers, Bill and Tommy, and one sister, Jan. She is survived by her two sons, Chuck Murray of McAllen and Bill Murray of San Luis Obispo, California; their spouses, Cynthia and Linda; six grandchildren, Mark Murray (Sasha Johnson) of Washington, D.C., Matt Murray (Cassidi) of San Antonio, Raeann Murray of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Wade Murray of Pflugerville, Leigh Murray of Austin, and Walter Murray of Pflugerville and one great-grandson, Maddox Murray of San Antonio, Texas.

The family will receive friends at the Elwyn Gipson Chapel at Garden of Memories Cemetery at one pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2011. A service will follow at 2 pm. Reverend Nick Sholars of the First United Methodist Church of Lufkin will officiate.

The family would like to express their appreciation to all who gave excellent care for Mrs. Murray during her last weeks in the hospital: Dr. Warren Looney, Dr. Abraham Cheriyan, and Dr. Ravinder Bachireddy. And, special thanks to Dr. Jerry Spinks and Dr. Sid Roberts for their care over the years for Mrs. Murray. Also, grateful thanks to Anna Butler, Sandra Walker, and Kim Dupree, the nurses at Pinecrest, where she lived for the past seven years and who cared for her at this wonderful facility.

The family thankfully acknowledges Pat and Buddy Colmer, friends of over thirty years, as the angels who cared for her. Pat was always there when Martha needed her; and the family knew in their absence, Pat would take care of Martha’s every need. In addition, Johnnie Davis, her bridge partner and great friend of many years, also has the family’s gratitude and appreciation.

The family suggests that friends who wish to remember Martha may consider making a memorial contribution to First United Methodist Church, 805 Denman Avenue, Lufkin, Texas 75901 or the charity of their choice.

The services were entrusted to the care of Gipson Funeral Home of Lufkin, Texas.