Betty Jo Wright McMurray

Betty Jo Wright McMurray, a beloved resident of Pascagoula, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2024, at the age of 94.

Born to M.O. and Maude Wright on December 21, 1929, in Trickum, a part of the Standing Pine community in Leake County, Mississippi, Betty grew up on a small farm with ten siblings. Her family raised everything they ate, an experience she described as "the life."

Betty graduated with the class of 1951 from Mississippi Baptist Hospital. Shortly before graduating, she met a patient named Sam McMurray, who would later become her devout husband of 47 years, until his death in 1998. Early in their marriage, Betty worked as a surgical nurse throughout Mississippi at hospitals in Crystal Springs, Hazelhurst, and Canton. Betty and Sam moved to Pascagoula in 1967 where they became prominent members of the business community. She retired as President of Pas-Point Glass Co. in 2022 at 92 years old. For her entire life, she was a devoted member of the church, enjoying many wonderful years at First Baptist Church in Pascagoula. Because of her dedication to science and education, she donated her body to the Anatomical Gift program at the University of South Alabama.

Betty enjoyed spending time in her garden listening to the birds sing, feeding the squirrels, and doing the daily newspaper puzzles. She will be remembered for her quick wit that no one could top, her boisterous laugh that lifted any spirits within earshot, and her dedication to her family.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, both parents, ten siblings, and two great-grandchildren, Jaxon Smith and Preslea Moore.

She is survived by her three children, Michael McMurray, Catherine Frederic, and Joe (Lisa) McMurray; six grandchildren, Sally Frederic, Katie (Dustin) Rivers, Donovan McMurray (Chase Morrison), Abby McMurray, Chandler (Tyler) Bingham, and Shelby Frederic; and four great-grandchildren, Karaline Moore, Baileigh Smith, Ashtin Moore, and Naomi Ross.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church in Pascagoula, MS, on May 4, 2024, at 11 A.M. The service will follow at 12 P.M. with Rev. Dennis Ray Smith officiating and music by Dr. John White. In lieu of flowers, donations to First Baptist Church of Pascagoula are greatly appreciated.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Jamie Willis for opening her loving home to Betty, and to The Retreat, Hospice by Saad for their compassionate care during her final days.

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