Roll Call Tribute

Lorna Sue (Thomas) Murray 

February 2, 1952 - August 20, 2024 

Lorna was born in Crane, Texas and as a native Texan forever held Texas in her heart. She grew up in Odessa, Texas where she met her husband of 53 years, James Murray. She attended Permian High School, Lubbock Christian College, Texas A&M University and Corpus Christi State University. She graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average with her bachelors in elementary education and was a reading specialist. Over her career, she taught kindergarten and 5th grade and was awarded Teacher of the Year. Lorna was a true teacher and taught many bible study classes throughout the years. Studying the bible was a passion of hers and she never abandoned her faith.

A true Southern Belle, Lorna never missed a day without makeup and always dressed for the occasion. Her Southern drawl and West Texas twang amused many in Northern and Southern Illinois, as did her sense of humor. Although she regularly proclaimed she did not like cooking, her chicken fried steak, deviled eggs and Thanksgiving dressing are legendary. Lorna had a true and generous heart, always up for helping and quick to pray for those in need. Her hobbies included shooting her favorite birthday present a .357 Smith & Wesson Magnum revolver, gardening, decorating, studying the bible and cross-stitch. She was a voracious reader, an old movie aficionado, a true crime lover and adored camping in her travel trailer. Her pride and joy were her two daughters, Amy and Sarah.….until her six grandchildren, Austin, Jack, and Ruth Wickenhauser and Andrew, Elise and Lillian Uhl were born.

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Letha Thomas of Odessa, Texas, and her beloved daughter Amy Sue Murray-Earl and favorite son-in-law Brian Earl of Springfield, Illinois.

She is survived by her husband James Philip Murray, II and her loyal dog Lola of Eldorado, Illinois; daughter Sarah Murray, other favorite son-in-law Benjamin Uhl, grandchildren Andrew, Elise and Lillian Uhl of Sioux City, Iowa; grandchildren Austin, Jack and Ruth Wickenhauser of Springfield, Illinois; brother Robin Thomas of Shepherd, Texas; sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mary (Murray) and Ellis Minton of Fort Worth, Texas and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Star General Baptist Church in Eldorado, IL. Visitation will be held immediately before the funeral service beginning at 10:00 am, also at the church. Burial will occur immediately after the funeral at the Murray Cemetery on Murray Hill Road, Eldorado, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice. Lorna was passionate about giving and donated to many organizations such as her church, the ALS Association, Wounded Warriors and Tunnels to Towers Foundation. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family via the website www.colonialterracefuneralhome.com