Dorothy Phyllis (Nierman) Murray

Dorothy Phyllis Murray, age 84, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 1:52 A.M. on Thursday, January 21, 2016, at her home in Centralia, Illinois with her family at her side.  She was born October 20, 1931 in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Oscar W. and Florence E. (Hake) Nierman.  She married Ernest L. Murray in June 1950 at St. Peter United Church of Christ and they later divorced.

Mrs. Murray is survived by her daughter, Karen Smith and husband Robert of Centralia, Illinois, grandchildren, William Kory Smith and fiancé Kelsie Koger of Centralia, Illinois, Robert K. Smith of Fremont, California and Tyler Murray of Mount Vernon, Illinois, great-granddaughters, Khloe Smith and mother Elesha Wilson and Skylah Murray, brothers, Larvin Nierman of Normal, Illinois and Roy Nierman and wife Zeeda of Highland, California and nephew, Craig Nierman and wife Lisa of Iowa City, Iowa.

Mrs. Murray was preceded in death by her son, Gary Lee Murray.

Mrs. Murray was a member of St. Peter United Church of Christ in Centralia, Illinois, where she was baptized, confirmed and married.  She was a current member of the E.R.M. Society.  She was very involved in her church since it was an important part of her life.  She loved to play games and was an avid card player.  Mrs. Murray’s family was very significant to her and she cherished the time she spent with them.  She was about creating and maintaining her family traditions.  As it was told by her family, “she was the best cook in Marion County.”

Mrs. Murray retired in 1994 as a cafeteria manager from the Centralia City School Systems.  In her 20 years of service, she was involved in the cafeteria at Central, Irving, Field and Jordan Schools.  She graduated with the “Class of 1949” from the Centralia Township High School. She lived all of her life in Centralia, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Pastor Brett Palmer officiating.  Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park near Centralia, Illinois.  Friends may call from 10:00 A.M. until the time of services at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Murray’s memory to the St. Peter United Church of Christ or American Heart Association and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Please view the online obituary, send condolences or share memories with Mrs. Murray’s family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on Facebook.

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