Lois "Laverne" Murr

February 6, 1930 - May 21, 2026

Lois “Laverne” Selby Murr was born on her mother’s birthday, February 6, 1930, in Seneca, New Mexico to George Selby & Mary Foster Selby. She passed away peacefully in her home in Oklahoma City, surrounded by the love of her family, on May 21, 2026. Laverne graduated from Clayton High School in 1947. After her family moved to Oklahoma City, she attended Southwestern Bible College, where she met and married M.W. Murr. After sharing their ministry in Houston and Dallas, Texas, they moved to Oklahoma City to begin their life on the campus of Southwestern Bible College. She worked in the insurance industry until 1972, when she graduated from Central State University with a degree in elementary education. While teaching 3rd grade at Newcastle Elementary, she earned her Master of Science in reading instruction and was awarded Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Murr went on to teach at Bodine Elementary in Oklahoma City, where she once again taught 3rd grade and served as a reading specialist. Laverne retired from teaching in 1991 to enjoy gardening, reading, and time with her family. She also became highly involved with the Alumni Association of Southwestern Christian University. In 2019, the university awarded Mrs. Murr with the President’s Vision Award for demonstrating outstanding Christian leadership and service. She is preceded in death by her husband, M. W. Murr, her parents, her siblings Alice Selby Welch, Foster Selby, Leonard Selby, Gertrude Selby Ditto, George Selby, Jr., Mary Edith Selby Ditto, and Leola Selby Classon. She is survived by her sister Lydia Selby Crim. Beloved mother of two children, Peggy Lou and Samuel Alan, she was blessed with 7 grandchildren: Chris Murr, Tanya Pool Hamel, Suzann Pool Godinez, Josh Murr, Amy Murr, Jennifer Murr Buckhalter, and Gabe Murr, 9 great-grandchildren: Gabe, Ethan, Jayce, Rylan, Landon, Gavin, Brooke, Grayson and Elliott, and 4 great-great-grandchildren: Wesley, Karsyn, Blakely, and Braxton.

Those wishing to honor her life may make contributions to Southwestern Christian University, Box 340, Bethany, Oklahoma 73008.