Annie M. Murray

Annie Mae Jones Murray was born on December 1, 1933, in Charleston, South Carolina, the beloved daughter of the late Willie Jones and Elizabeth James Jones. On Friday, August 1, 2025, she answered the Master’s call and entered into eternal rest at the age of ninety-one (91), at her daughter’s home in Irmo, South Carolina.

Annie Mae attended the public schools of Sumter County. She was a graduate of Lincoln High School. Annie Mae later received a certificate in nursing from Tuomey Hospital which graduated a class of sixteen (16) black nursing assistants, a first at that time. Upon graduation, she worked for the hospital for several years. Annie Mae went on to work for the Campbell Soup Company where she retired after many years of service.

At an early age, Annie Mae accepted Christ into her life and joined Salem Baptist Church where she was an active member serving as the church secretary. After she married, she joined Bethel AME Church where she attended faithfully until her health failed. She dutifully served as Sunday School Superintendent, Steward, Stewardess, as well as serving as a member of the Gospel Choir, Cannon Singers, and the Janie B. Williams Missionary Society during this time. Annie Mae was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Manchester #152 for over 35 years.

Annie Mae was a quiet woman who exuded warmth and grace and lovingly looked after her family, friends, church, and community. If there was anything that she could do for you, she always did it with a smile and without hesitation. If her children could help, she promptly saw to it that they did as well. Her home was full of love – and food. Everyone knew that if they came by the house, there would be something good to eat and that they were welcome to stay and fellowship with food and lots of laughter. She will forever be remembered for her famous coconut and sweet potato pies. People would request them from the far north all the way to the deep south. Annie Mae’s life was a testimony of her resilience, quiet strength, spirit, and faith.

On April 24, 1955, she was joined in holy matrimony to the love of her life, the late David (Sonny) Murray, Jr. Together they shared 67 years of marriage that was broken only in death. In addition to her parents, Annie Mae was also preceded in death by her two sons, Anthony G. Murray and David Murray, III; a son-in-law, Lagorda Abercrombie; brother, William Jones, sister-in-law, Rosa Jones; and brother-in-law, J. Raymond Murray.

She leaves to cherish her memories, three daughters, Vanessa M. Abercrombie, Sylvia L. Murray and Valarie M. (Kenneth) Williams, all of Irmo, SC; nine grandchildren, Ricardo Abercrombie, Gary Murray, Derrick Murray, Justin Abercrombie, Jason Murray, Kenneth Williams, Jr., Sydney Abercrombie, Dashon Murray and Kennedy Williams; two great-grandchildren, Alaysia Murray and Jeremiah Murray; two sisters-in-law, Barbara E. Murray and Maggie S. Williams; special daughters, Brenda Dobson, Cynthia Robinson, Sandra Love, Mattie Choice, Dwendolyn Choice, Ida Fox, Daisy Whittleton, and Claretha Conyers; several godchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of other loving relatives, friends and loved ones, all of whom will miss her dearly.