Brenda Rice Murray

brenda murray
Brenda Rice Murray, 61, of Old Leicester Highway, Asheville, died Monday, December 30, 2002, at her home after an extended illness. Mrs. Murray was born July 26, 1941, in McDowell County to the late Elzie R. and Cassie Rymer Rice. She was preceded in death by her husband, Preston R. Murray who died October 12, 2001, and by a sister, Pegge Vines. She was a 1959 graduate of Clyde A. Erwin High School and attended Western Carolina University. She was previously employed as an Administrative Assistant in the Culinary Arts Department of A-B Tech. She was active in the Guardian Ad Litem Program in the early 1990’s and was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was also an accomplished artist and musician. Brenda touched the lives of many through her love, joy and sense of humor. She is survived by her daughters Melanie L. Rice and Whitney J. Ponder, both of Asheville; a sister Polly R. Adams and her husband Calvin Adams of Melbourne, FL; and a foster daughter Mary Worley of Leicester. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Wednesday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Earlynne Bartley officiating. Burial will be at Green Hills Cemetery. Her family will receive friends from 7- 8:30 pm Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Mountain Area Hospice, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.

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  1. To the family of Mrs. Murray ~
    Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your loved one. My name is Patty and I was Mrs. Murray’s Asheville Citizen Times newscarrier since early 1999. I spoke with Mrs Murray when she first became ill. She asked if I would help her out with the paper and deliver it to her back door as she was unable to walk down her driveway. I’ve been delivering to the back porch for sometime now. I was able to view the absolutely beautiful garden in the back too! I was in hopes that the garden was a sign of Mrs. Murray recuperation. However, when I saw the IV pole on the back porch recently, I became concerned, and today I received notice to discontinue the subscription. I am just so very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
    Sincerely,
    Patty Parris

  2. I was so sorry to hear that Brenda had passed away….she was such a sweet person……..I attended ERWIN High School with her ……..you never saw h er without a smile on her face………..she will be missed by so many but leaves everyone with wonderful memories………may God be with all the family at this sad time

  3. My thoughts and prayers are with all
    of Brenda’s family and friends at this time. As a former classmate of
    Brenda’s, and an online correspondent with her before she got so sick, I will surely miss her.
    Today, the Heavenly Choir has received a beautiful addition to its midst.
    And with all His troubles on Earth,
    GOD has surely smiled and laughed today, as He welcomed Brenda’s quick wit and smile to His Kingdom.
    As we are so grieved here on Earth,
    there were so many on the other side waiting to gather her in their arms and welcome her home.
    Gods blessings to those two wonderful daughters for caring for her so well. Be still and know that God is with you, giving you strength and peace. And your mother will always be near to you.

  4. I was in high school all 4 years with Brenda. I had many classes with her. We also was at many ballgames together. I can still hear her voice,saying come on Shirley, get the ball. She was a special lady. How beautiful Heaven must be with her there. Shirley Fore Arrowood.

  5. Our sympathy and prayer’s are with Brenda’s family, myself and Sharon had only known Brenda for the last 7 or 8 years, but we have been friends with Melanie for many years, Brenda was an inspiration to anyone that was around her, she was always full of life and vigor, she would make a bad day feel alot better, we always cherished spending time with Brenda, she was admired by all that knew her, Heaven has gained a dear and precious person, ‘OUR LOSS IS DEFINITELY HEAVEN’S GAIN’

  6. Brenda,We will all miss you and all the memories we had growing up in woodfin. You always had a great since of humor and loved life to the fullest. We love you and will see you in Heaven!

  7. I too was a classmate and graduate
    with Brenda.She truly was a beautiful person.My thoughts and
    prayers are with her family and
    friends.

  8. Melanie, You have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother.I read about it in the paper when I got home from work. Express my sympathy to your sister. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie Parham

  9. So sorry for the loss of our dear classmate. May the many happy memories we have of her stay with us forever.
    Sincerly,
    Syble J. Allen

  10. My thoughts and prayers are with the family . Brenda was a wonderful friend. I know that you can find comfort in knowing Brenda is in the presence of God.

  11. My thoughts and prayers are with the family . Brenda was a wonderful friend. I know that you can find comfort in knowing Brenda is in the presence of God.

  12. We have had Brenda in our prayers from the time we knew she was sick. She was a lovely person and I know she will be missed.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  13. To Brenda’s Family; Please know that no matter how heavy your hearts are at the loss of your loved one. The other morning her SOUL left it’s earthly body on the swift journey to join GOD and the Christians in HEAVEN that have gone before her. Her mission on earth complete,GOD has called her HOME. I barely knew the Smiling, laughing,mischevious Brenda so many, many years ago. It’s just been within the last couple of years she and I became good friends in exchanging thoughts over e-mail. We had planned on sitting and talking at our next class reunion. Im glad we got to know each other better in such a short time here on earth. One day we will get to have that chat. But for now we mourn her loss, pray for her family and friends and bid her a loving goodbye, until we meet again. Allen Smith

    She now sings with the angels.

  14. Oh my dear childhood friend, I will never forget you nor the pledge we made to one another when we were young….’friends to the end.’ we promised. If you ever need me Brence, just drop a feather! Fub

  15. My sincere sympathy is extended to Brenda’s family at this time of grief. The fond memories of her from our Erwin High School days together will never be forgotten. My thoughts & prayers are with you all.

  16. Dear family members:
    Brenda, Linda W., Linda C. and I shared good times having TCBY ice cream and chatting the evening away. I will miss Brenda and always remember her and those times fondly. May you have peace knowing that many thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
    Love, Judy Warren

  17. Brenda’s Family — We share your loss because Brenda brought such joy to so many. She lives in our hearts and minds. Any thought of Brenda brings a wonderful smile to our souls. She made a difference. I am happy to be her friend …


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