Shirley Jean Murray

Shirley Jean Murray (nee Smith), of Mason, Ohio, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at the age of 79. She was born Thursday, September 25, 1941 in Buchanan County, Virginia to J. R. and Elizabeth (nee Hackney) Smith.

Shirley was raised in a large family, the daughter of a coal miner in Phelps, Kentucky. In the early 1960s, Shirley and her sister Ann moved to Cincinnati seeking new opportunities. Soon after they settled in Cincinnati, Shirley met Dennis Murray. The two were very happily married for 56 wonderful years, raising two sons and a daughter.

Shirley was a natural caregiver who worried more about others than herself. She was the kind of person who would give anyone the coat off her back or the food off her plate.

Shirley's greatest joys in life were all about her family. Anytime the young grandchildren came to visit, she would insist upon holding them. The expressions and sayings from her own childhood could frequently be heard around the Murray home. Even when her children were wearing their heaviest coats, Shirley routinely insisted that "the coat you are wearing isn't heavy enough - you'll freeze to death!". She loved to cook for her family, but never sat at the table because she kept bringing food, refilling drinks, and making sure everyone was happy. Favorite meals were prepared often, but were never exactly the same because she used "a dash of this and a dash of that". Many of these sayings are often repeated by Shirley's family and friends.

Shirley was preceded in death by: parents, J. R. and Elizabeth Smith; brothers, Ellis Smith, James (Vicki) Smith; and sisters, Ann (Virgil) Bolender and Darlene Campbell.

Shirley is survived by: husband, Dennis Murray; children, Brian (Kathi) Murray, Beth (Charlie) Richter, and Kevin (Laure) Murray; grandchildren, Patrick, Michael, & Matthew Murray, Samantha, Megan, Jason (Elise) Richter, and Meredith & Adam Murray; brother, Clarence (Donna) Smith; brother-in-law, David Campbell; and many loving family members and friends.

Visitation will be Monday, February 15, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM at St. Susanna Catholic Church, 616 Reading Road, Mason, Ohio 45040. Interment will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Memorials may be directed to The Alzheimer's Association

Mueller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. 513-398-9100