Annette Marie Murray

2 Timothy 4:7

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”
 

Obituary

Annette Marie Murray, a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend, was born on May 20, 1953, in Colleton County, Ritter, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late Lucretia Smith and the late Wallie “Walter” Myers. On Wednesday, March 18, 2026, she peacefully departed this life to be with her Heavenly Father.

Annette was a proud and accomplished student, achieving high academic success as an alumna of Colleton High School and a graduate of Walterboro High School, Class of 1971. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where she began her professional journey. In 1973, she married James A. Murray, and together they built a strong and loving marriage that spanned decades. From this union, three children were born.

 As a devoted Army wife, Annette faithfully supported her husband throughout his distinguished twenty-four-year military career, embracing the role with grace, pride, and dignity. She was actively involved in the Army community and formed lasting bonds with those around her.

Annette worked at the Fort Jackson Commissary Bakery and served as a crossing guard for Pierce Terrace Elementary School, ensuring the safety of countless children. Her greatest passion, however, was caring for others. She operated a highly respected, award-winning in-home daycare, providing dependable and compassionate care for the children of deployed soldiers.

In 1998, her dedication to children led her to continue her work in education as a substitute teacher within Richland School District Two. She later became a full-time Instructional Teacher’s Aide at Joseph Keels Elementary School, where she faithfully served for sixteen years. Annette was a positive influence and guiding light to countless students, always offering patience and encouragement. She retired on June 5, 2014, leaving behind a legacy -of service and care.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents, Lucretia Smith and Wallie “Walter” Myers; her sister, Catherine Smith; and her brother, Samuel Smith, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving and devoted husband, Retired Army Master Sergeant James Murray, Sr.; her beloved children, James Murray, Jr., Andrea Murray, and Kimberly Murray, who were the pride and joy of her life; her sisters, Dorothy Levine, Sherry Sanders (Danny), Rosalyn Nesmith (Lenell), Vanessa Myers, and Pamela Landers (Randy); her brother, Norvelle Smith; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Her legacy of love, strength, and devotion will live on in all who knew and loved her.

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