Denise Barrett Murray

Nashville, TN - On the afternoon of February 12, 2026, about 5:00 p.m., Denise Barrett Murray passed away, while peacefully sleeping in her bed at Alive Hospice in Nashville, Tennessee. Her son, Kyle, had visited her earlier that day. Her husband, Woody, and daughter, Lindsay, were with her when she passed. Denise was 73 years old.

Denise was born in Suffolk, Virginia, and was raised by her parents, Emmit and Mildred Barrett, in the small nearby town of Zuni, Virginia. She had one brother, Keith Gavin Barrett, who still lives in Zuni.

Denise was a 1971 graduate of Southampton High School and received a college degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. That is where she met her future husband, Ronald (Woody) Murray. After both of them graduated in 1975, Denise worked as a paralegal in Norfolk, Virginia.

Denise and Woody married on June 19, 1976 in her home church at Zuni. Then, she fulfilled her goal of being an educator, teaching high school in Chesapeake, Virginia. Denise and Woody had two children, Kyle Patrick Murray and Lindsay Barrett Murray.

Denise and husband, Woody, then moved to Nashville, Tennessee, so Woody could serve the Lord at LifeWay Christian Resources. Denise received a master's degree in teaching from Tennessee State University and taught ESL at Freedom Intermediate School in Franklin, Tennessee.

Denise had a strong desire to help children and youth learn, and she cherished her opportunity to teach school. She also had a strong passion for cooking, and that became an anchor in her later life when health issues limited her physical abilities.

Denise loved to help others, whether it was preparing a meal for family or friends, or simply calling or sending a card to someone in need. She was a prayer warrior for those she knew.

Denise loved and provided strong support to Kyle as he studied and completed a doctorate degree in Ireland, and Kyle had her proof papers he wrote. Denise also loved and supported Lindsay as she married Marcel Hernandez. She wanted to cook and prepare meals for them when their work schedules were busy.

Lindsay and Marcel presented Denise and Woody with two grandsons, Cruz and Liam. Again, Denise's passion for cooking led her to preparing family meals that the grandsons loved.

Denise had powerful Christian faith her entire life. She experienced serious health issues for more than 22 years, yet she never complained but remained true to her faith. She made the Bible verse, Joshua 1:9, her life verse: "Be Strong and Courageous." Denise was indeed an incredibly strong and courageous person.

Always thinking of others, and taking care of others, her final words comforted her family, when she raised up in bed and said, "I love all of you!"

Denise is preceded in death by her parents, Emmit and Mildred Barrett. She is survived by her husband: Woody, her children: Kyle and Lindsay, grandsons: Cruz and Liam, and her brother: Keith. Other close family members include her sister-in-law: Jean, her nephew: Brad, his wife and son: Heather and Gavin, her niece: Dana and her husband and daughters: Brian, Leah, and Josie. Woody's brother: Gary, and his wife: Barbara, were also very supportive.

A public memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 6th, 2026, at Tucker Swamp Baptist Church in Zuni, Virginia.