Betty Murray

Betty Jean Berneice Cooper Murray

Beloved Sister, Mom and Grandma

Born on December 6, 1928 here in Roswell at Pump house 5 just southeast of town. All of her life Betty Jean was a hard worker. At age 6 after she would work on the farm and help momma pick cotton all day, she would drive the old model T back to the farm house and start supper every night, which would be fresh buttermilk and cornbread. Every Friday night they had a special treat, a chocolate cake for dessert. Her family was her life. It started with Daddy, Momma, Brother Earl and Shirley Ann. On April 17, 1943 at age 14 she married Bernard Murray. Shortly after her husband served in World War II. He fought on Normandy Beach, 3rd wave Day D June 6, 1944. When her husband returned home they started their family. Having 3 sons: Donald Gene 91445, Elmer Lee 12047 and Larry Bernard 61050. In 1954 they bought their family home at 1108 W. Mathews St. Their family continued to grow over the years to 3 daughters in law, 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren, 4 nieces, 3 nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. She was a homebody, never wanting to leave. To her there was truly, No place like home. Home was truly where her heart was. Her house was a happy, safe and secure place. So peaceful, warm, cozy, comfy and full of life Everyone was accepted, fed and loved. Once you entered you felt so at home, that you never wanted to leave. You could bring anyone there, if they were your friend or family, they were hers. Her motto was The more, the merrier. She had a special gift of making everyone feel comfortable.

Since she grew during The Great Depression, it was her true pleasure and honor to feed everyone. Her home could not hold all the food that she has prepared and cooked with love. She always cooked enough for Coxs Army. She cooked 3 meals everyday. Always picking up her husband from work and 3 boys and any of their friends from school and taking them home to a hot lunch. Her specialty was breakfast, at anytime day or night. If you had ever been to her home, you gathered around her kitchen table to talk, hear all of her special stories, to eat, drink coffee, and be merry. This was her greatest joy. She was the most kind caring, loving, giving and generous woman you would ever meet. She always thought of others putting everyone before herself. She would gladly do without to give to others. For over 15 years, all of her family, including her 3 sons, their families, dogs, and friends, would all come and spend every weekend at the family home. If those walls could talk, the stories they could tell. She showed her love in so many ways. Always there to listen, to laugh with or to cry with, and always understanding. She gave guidance when asked for and stability when needed. Always assuring us It would all come out in the wash. She enjoyed working in her yard, crocheting, playing hide the thimble, cards, dominoes, reading, doing puzzles, crossword and word find puzzles. Her first priority was always to take care of the kids, grandkids, great grandkids and dogs. No matter what she was doing, when any of the kids, walked through the door, she dropped whatever she was doing and catered to the kids. When anyone was sick she took the best care possible of them, she was the best nurse ever. She weathered some rough times and endured more than anyone should have to, but always with dignity. God has a special place in heaven for someone so unselfish. She attended the 1st UPC church of Roswell. On November 17, 2002 she was baptized in Jesus name. She lived at Villa Del Rey from January 06 to September 06, then transferred to Mission Arch Care Center where she suddenly, peacefully slipped quietly away.

She is preceded in death by her father: Julian Cooper on January 15, 1973; her mother: Frances Cooper on May 19, 2000; her husband: Bernard Murray on September 10, 1997; her sons: Elmer Lee Murray on July 4, 1987, and Larry Bernard Murray on May 1, 2008; her infant sister: Kathleen Cooper on October 11, 1927; her grandparents Walter Walker on January 15, 1967, and Elizabeth Walker on March 6, 1980; and grandson Jon Michael Brandon Murray on February 1, 2008.

She is survived by her son: Donald Gene Murray and wife Millie Mae of Big Spring, TX; her brother: Earl Cooper and late wife Marion of Rio Rancho, NM; her sister: Shirley Ann and late husband Nunzio Spina of Cocoa Florida; her daughters in law: Barbara Kay Murray Ross wife of Elmer of Artesia, Sharon Ann Murray wife of Larry of Roswell; her grandchildren: Misty Dawn and Jimmie Rodgers of Big Spring, TX, Bobby Chad Murray of Artesia, Heather Laine and Jason Wagner of Roswell; and Stacey Lynn and Brandon Yazzie of Albuquerque; her great grandchildren: Rachel Nicole Wagner of Roswell, Toby Wayne Rodgers of Big Spring, TX, Santana Marina Allyssa Murray of Lake Arthur, Leah Brooke Wagner of Roswell, Denton Lee Murray of Lake Arthur, Nehemiah Brandon Yazzie of Albuquerque, Caleb Chad Murray of Artesia and Zechariah Brandon Yazzie of Albuquerque.
P There will be a service for Betty Jean on Monday, December 1, 2008 at 2:30 at the Ballard Chapel. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Pastor Eugene Shirley of 1st UPC Church will officiate. The church will be helping provide a meal on Monday immediately following the gr

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, November 29, 2008
2:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.

Service

Funeral Service

Ballard Funeral Chapel
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Monday, December 1, 2008
2:30 p.m.

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203