Doris Jean McMurray

McMurray, Doris Jean

Mother Doris Jean McMurray was born on July 16, 1933. She was the child of the late Willie Cross and Flora B. Hamilton and the oldest of six siblings: Booker Jr., Johnnie, Josheph, Gloria Jean, and Theresea. Doris departed this earthly life calmly, peacefully, and gracefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2025, at 4:15 p.m., while listening to the word of God.

Doris was born in Forest City, Arkansas, and later raised in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. She was a proud graduate of Muskegon Heights High School and valued her education in the Muskegon Heights Public School System. Doris often roamed the halls with two of her closest friends, May Joyce Williams and Commissioner Rillastine Wilkins. In her youth, she enjoyed roller skating, swing dancing, and hosting parties.

Dorris married Louis A. McMurray on August 5, 1955, and was preceded in death by him on May 14, 2014. Doris and Louis had two children: Dennis (E. Jean) and Randall (Sharon); and nine grandchildren: Dorrion, Parris (Fallon), Chavon, Auston (Dominique), Randall, Dontel, Darwin, Dennis, and Amber. Her family extended to four great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Bryce, Braylen, and the newest addition, Ava Renee McMurray (born August 11, 2025). Her love further extended to nieces, nephews, godchildren, and many others.

Mother Doris J. McMurray began serving God as a member of the Church of God in Christ. Her dedication to church volunteerism started under the leadership of the late Bishop Nathanial W. Wells Sr. at the Holy Trinity Church of God in Christ. She later served on the Western Michigan Jurisdiction's Executive Hospitality Board under the late Bishop Nathanial W. Wells Jr. and Supervisor Mother Martha Nichols. Doris also served as the First Lady of the Open Door Church of God in Christ in Kalamazoo, MI, and later at the West Side Church of God in Christ in Muskegon, MI. She looked forward to attending the National Convocation and National Women's Convention every year.

Doris lived a social and benevolent life. She was an esteemed homemaker, devoted wife, and an all-around superwoman. She loved the Lord, cared for sick families, fed the community, and showed love to anyone she could. Doris enjoyed shopping, curating the perfect Sunday outfit, gardening, cooking, watching Westerns & "The Jeffersons", talking on the phone, and much more. Throughout the week, she could be found attending various church services and programs. When not at church, she was having breakfast, lunch, or dinner with friends and family.

Doris was preceded in death by her best friend, Bernice Mays, and leaves behind another loving friend, Mother Luella Gilbert, on this earthly plane.

The family expresses sincere thanks to ALL who loved Doris.