Claudia Murray

Claudia Aycock Murray VIRGINIA BEACH - Claudia Aycock Murray, 65, passed away at her home in Virginia Beach Monday, Oct. 12, 2009, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her husband, Alan Adair Murray, who passed away in November of 2008. She was the daughter of William Calvin Aycock and Mary Elizabeth Aycock, both of Chincoteague, Va. She is survived by two daughters, Angela Duncan Messner and her husband Joseph, their daughter Kat and son Zack of Chandler, Ariz., Suzannah Kendall James and her two children, Josh and Jada of Virginia Beach. Claudia had one son, Levin Smith James IV of Virginia Beach. Claudia is also survived by an adored stepgrandson, Austin Buie of Iverness, Fla. She is also survived by three sisters, Jane Speidel and her husband Bill, Rosanne Conner and her husband Bobby, and Molly Jo Westmorland and her husband Scott, all of Chincoteague; several nieces and nephews. She will be mourned by many friends and family. Claudia was privileged to travel with her father's military career and afforded the opportunity to study in many school systems. She attended Peninsula General Hospital School of Nursing, Northampton Accomack Hospital School of Nursing, University of New York, and Harvard Business School. Her greatest joys in life were her nursing career and her children. No one loved life more than Claudia. She saw humor and joy in all she did. Her philosophy was that the difference in tragedy and comedy is a few days and who tells the story. Claudia has worked in many fields of nursing; the ER, ICU, all aspects of hospital work, and psychiatry. She served as an expert witness because of her vast knowledge of nursing. Her thirst to learn never ended. The later part of Claudia's nursing career was in geriatrics, which ultimately became her favorite field. She adored her patients as they did her. She was the director at Oakwood Nursing Center for eight years and Sentara Newtown for four years. Claudia co-authored a nursing text book. She volunteered at the Judeo Christian Outreach Center and the homeless shelter. She also worked with battered women's shelters. She was an active member of Kempsville Church of God, where her memorial service will be held Oct. 16 at 5 p.m. with the Rev. Mark Cary officiating. Another service will be held at the Chincoteague Church of God Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. with the Rev. John Thorne officiating. There will be a private family burial of her and Alan's cremains immediately following the service on Chincoteague in the Bunting Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requested that you do something good and kind for someone who does not expect it. The family would like to invite everyone to the old Bunting Homestead on Main Street for a time of food and fellowship. Services entrusted to Salyer Funeral Home Inc. in Chincoteague where condolences may be made online at www.salyerfh.com.