Mary E. Murray, 87, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully at home on October 22, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born on December 12, 1937, in Little Washington, North Carolina, to the late Ethel Edwards and Joseph Edwards. She grew up on her family's farm in North Carolina, where she learned the value of hard work, love, and faith - qualities that would guide her throughout her life.

She later moved to Hampton, Virginia, where she made her home and raised her family. On June 26 th , 1953, Mary married the love of her life, Edward G. Murray, and together they shared 50 wonderful years of marriage. They built a beautiful life and raised four daughters, Joyce, Valerie, Brenda, and Elizabeth- who were the pride and joy of her heart.

Mary was a woman of grace, strength, and deep love for her family. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, needlework, shopping, and being a member of the Theta Lambda (Chapter 5092) Sorority. Above all, she cherished her role as a Grandma and Nana, always making sure her family felt her warmth and love. Her home was a place of comfort- filled with laughter, delicious food, and treasured memories.

She is survived by her daughters, Valerie Link and Elizabeth Spain; eight grandchildren, Chris Glenn, Michael Link, Tara Recabo, Joyce Spain Charron, George Spain, Luke Glenn, Marianne Burch, and Brittney Spain; and ten great-grandchildren, Teagan, Brayden, Santino, Silas, James, Sebastian, Nash, Tillman, Mason and Conner. She is also survived by her siblings, Bobby Edwards, Dorothy Heim, and Elsie Dubuc. Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edward G. Murray; her parents, Ethel and Joseph Edwards; and her daughters, Joyce Glenn and Brenda Watson.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home and may be watched live by clicking HERE after 1:55pm. Burial will follow at Parklawn Memorial Park. Family and friends are invited to attend and share their memories of a life so beautifully lived. Mary will be remembered for her warm heart, loving spirit, and the countless ways she touched the lives of those around her. Her love and legacy will live on through the family she so deeply cherished.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Dementia Society of America in Mary's honor.