Evelyn R. Murray

Remembering the Life of Evelyn Ruth Murray

On February 2, 1955, Felix Murray and Ruth Mae Salter-Murray who resided on 24th and Marion St. were blessed with their second child, Evelyn Ruth Murray. Evelyn and her brother Felix H. Murray were the pride and joy of their parent's lives; Evelyn was especially the apple of her Father's eyes. After the family relocated to 3260 Magnolia St, their home was always opened to their friends and family for holiday gathering. Any time there were events family members would make their way to each other's homes, on Niagara St. and Leyden St. in the Parkhill community.

Evelyn enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her cousins. From spending time with Floyd watching HBO comedies; to telling tales and sharing jokes with Jerry, James, and Willie, the togetherness is what she enjoyed most. Although Rose and Shirley were cousins, their relationship was like sisters. They shared beauty tips with each other, had nail painting sessions, and Shirley often complimented Evelyn's style techniques, which went a step further in her ability to highlight her eyes. Shirley and Evelyn loved to sing songs in unison, they harmonized together to Hallelujah ‘Tis Done, by Reverend Cleophus Robinson. This sisterhood, translated to Evelyn and her special bond with Devora Barnes as well. Devora and Evelyn spoke about their times as children at Aunt Genevive Carter's (Aunt Jenny ) house, and how Aunt Jenny loved to do Evelyn's hair. Evelyn shared a beloved story of her Godson, Darrick Damon Alexander (Yarabbi) who, as a small child enjoyed taking walks with Evelyn. Evelyn would walk Derrick around the block, which would satisfy him until he was able to take that walk again the following day. Evelyn often spoke of her times at her Aunt Classie Salter- Chapman's cafe, Chappie's Cafe, and complemented how delicious her hamburgers were, which she made special for all her nieces and nephews.

Shortly after graduating from George Washington High School, in 1973. Evelyn married Kevin Mays, and to their union, LaTanya Marie Mays-Fuqua was born. Although this union was dissolved, Kevin and Evelyn would become good friends. Evelyn loved joking and clowning around with her daughter, and there are cherished memories of their facetime chats with animated backgrounds.

Evelyn, was later blessed with the birth of Jamal David Murray. Jamal, like his mother, loves music, and she encouraged him in his pursuit of one day being a singer. Jamal had outstanding performances at Hinkley High School, and she was proud to see his star power in action.

Evelyn, worked for Dairyland Insurance, and was approached by her Aunt Mary Ella Salter-Stamps to apply for a position at Lowry Air Force Base, to which she earned a role as a specialist in the Office of Special Investigations. Evelyn would later spread her wings and applied for a position with the Veterans Administration Hospital. During this time, she landed a position with the medical records department. In her tenure with the VA, Evelyn was promoted to the Milieu department, specializing in

coordinating veteran care. In this role she scheduled appointments, set up team activities, and provided transportation tokens to ensure the veterans were able to get to and from their appointments.

Evelyn truly enjoyed working with the Veterans at the Hospital. She was often seen in the halls, having a word, sharing a joke, listening to people’s concerns, seeking solutions in locating departments, or locating personnel to assist with their needs. Evelyn's compassion for people resonated throughout the facility, and her colleagues loved interacting with her. In her final position, Evelyn, worked as a Hospice Coordinator; and was often lauded as an angel for her bedside support, compassion and empathy.

While working full time, Evelyn ventured for something new, and earned a degree in medical billing and coding with Anthem College, Aurora, CO.

Evelyn enjoyed going to church. As a child she was involved in church, and joined New Hope Baptist Church at a young age, this fellowship would continue through 2020. After relocating to the Centennial community, as her church covenant encourages, Evelyn worshipped with Skyview Presbyterian Church, and developed a loving rapport with the Skyview family. One thing that Evelyn loved, was attending Vacation Bible School with the children, in which the children often drew pictures for her, and shared their stories with her.

Evelyn's love for church flowed through to her grandchildren too! Evelyn would take her grandchildren Jordan and Jasmine to New Hope, and they loved the peppermints she kept in the cup holder, and the knowing that they would be going to Wendy's after church. Jasmine especially enjoyed the broccoli cheese soup she was guaranteed to get to take home.

Evelyn will be remembered for her quick and quip humor, her beautiful singing voice, and her love of hummingbirds and family. She is survived by her children Jamal (Dom)) and LaTanya (Joe), her grandchildren Jordan and Jasmine, and a host of family and friends.

Footprints Poem

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from

anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

“You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life

there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,

“The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints,

is when I carried you.”

Mary Stevenson