Carolyn Murray

1939 - 2017

Carolyn Ann Murray, age 77, a resident of Salisbury, passed away Jan. 12, 2017, at Carillon Assisted Living in Salisbury after a long battle with cancer. Daughter of the late Louis J. and Mae Ghann Murray, Carolyn was born in Augusta, Ga., April 12, 1939, where she spent her early years. She graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy (now Aquinas High School) with honors. There she was an outstanding athlete and basketball player. In a Central Savannah River Area Basketball Tournament, she scored 44 points and made 21 straight free throws. Carolyn continued her education at Winthrop College in Rock Hill, S.C., earning a BS Degree in Education. In her long career of teaching, she coached tennis and girls basketball at A. L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, for four years before coming to Salisbury High School. In 1974, Carolyn started Salisbury High School girls' tennis program. As one of Salisbury's most successful coaches, she guided her teams to championships on three levels of competition: one State Championship, three State Runner-ups, two State Third Places, two sectional, four Regional Championships, and 10 Conference titles. She did not have a losing season with an overall record of 186-22. The 1985 team won the NC 1A-2A Championship. An humble person, Carolyn loved her teams and gave them all the credit for their excellence. She was recently honored as one of the Salisbury High School Legends. After 20 years of coaching, Carolyn stepped down and continued to serve in the Salisbury School System until her retirement. A lover of pets, Carolyn always had a cat or puppy that she loved with a passion. She loved her many friends just as passionately. She enjoyed playing bridge with her Thursday Night Bridge Club, traveling to both the beach and the mountains, and especially spending time in Hot Springs. Even though she did not attend UNC at Chapel Hill, there has never been a Kind and caring, Carolyn was always on hand to help a friend…no matter how small or large the task. She enjoyed being outside, whether in her garden, on her mower or shooting baskets. Carolyn was a compassionate and gentle soul. When a teacher friend developed cancer at an early age, she promised to help look after the friend's new born grandson, Alex. After the friend's death, she helped raise and care for Alex, her godson. Alex is now a college student in Florida. Carolyn's pleasant and outgoing personality was contagious. During her illness, she rarely complained. Rather, she made you feel comforted. Carolyn was predeceased by her loving grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Lemuel F. Ghann, who played a significant part in her life. She is survived by one brother, Louis J. Murray Jr. and wife, Peggy; two nieces, Susan King and family, Jennifer McPherson and family, and one nephew, Luke Murray and family all of Raleigh; her aunt Helen Ghann; cousins, Fonda Patterson and family, Clay Ghann and family, all of Augusta, Ga.; her godson, Alex Pate of Salisbury; and her steadfast and caring friend and companion, Shirley Brooks of Salisbury. Among the host of friends who will miss Carolyn is Betty Bills, who was devoted and diligent in her care and assistance to Carolyn, Shirley and the family in so many ways, and for which they will be forever grateful. A heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at The Laurels of Salisbury and at Carillon Assisted Living for their loving care of Carolyn during her time there, as well as to Hospice for their family counseling and care for Carolyn during her final days. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice; or to the Carolyn Ann Murray Tennis Endowment at Salisbury High School, 500 Lincolnton Road, Salisbury, NC 28144; or to the Carolyn Ann Murray Endowment at Aquinas High School, 1920 Highland Ave., Augusta, GA, 30904. Visitation and Service: A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, at Summersett Funeral Chapel in Salisbury with the Rev. Margaret Almeida officiating. Visitation will follow. Memorial services will also be held at a later date in Augusta, Ga. and Hot Springs, NC. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Murray family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.