Emily Diane McMurray

Emily Diane Burkley was born on October 18, 1958 as the 5th of 7 children in Merced to Joseph and Rosalie Burkley. She was a lifetime Merced resident except for periods spent in Texas and Sacramento during her youth. From the early age of 8 Emily fought the obstacles of Diabetes. Emily attended Galen Clark Elementary School, Bret Harte Elementary in Sacramento, and Merced High School. Determined to receive her High School Diploma she completed her studies at Merced Adult School and received her diploma.

At a young age she joined the Second Baptist Church and was blessed to attend Christian camps for youth which allowed her to develop a lasting trust in the Lord Jesus Christ.

In December of 1973 Emily was blessed with the birth of her 1st daughter, Tamieka Suzkary Osby. She later met Jerry McMurray and married him on May 1, 1988. This union was blessed with the birth of her 2nd daughter, Jerrieka in January of 1989.

Emily was always willing to make a sacrifice for others. She would always try to bring a smile to your face and happiness to your heart. She will truly be missed by family and friends.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Eleanor and Brenda; nephew, Dion; niece, Michelle; and her grandparents.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 25 years, Jerry McMurray of Merced; daughters, Tamieka Osby and Jerrieka Aitch-Albrow (Jeremie) both of Houston, TX; sisters, Priscilla Sturghill of Merced and Sharon Winfield (Kelly) of Atwater; brothers, Joseph Burkley II of Represa and Rev. Alvin Burkley of Dos Palos; father-in-law, Arthur McMurray Sr. of Merced; uncle, James Salery Sr. of Chowchilla; and a great host of relatives and friends.

Services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Second Baptist Church, 501 Q St., Merced, CA.