Martha Fuqua McMurry Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Martha May Fuqua McMurry passed away peacefully on January 20, 2021. Martha is preceded in death by her husband of sixty years Norman Edmund McMurry, parents Frazier and Zella Fuqua of Alto Texas, twin sister Ann Fuqua Christopher (Jack) and sister Margaret Fuqua Griffith (Oliver), both of Alto, Texas. Martha is survived by her four children, Gregg McMurry of Dallas, Pam Guinn (Steve) of Memphis, TN, Melissa Ciavarra (Joe) of Dallas, and Dr. N. Keith McMurry (Anne) of Sacramento, CA; seven grandchildren: Kevin Ciavarra, Ryan Ciavarra, Leslie Jerkins (Jonathan), Martha Carter (Dudley), Scott Guinn (Oliver Luckett), Alex McMurry, and Charlie McMurry; and eight great-grandchildren: John and Ryan Ciavarra, Juliette, Molly, and George Jerkins, and Jane, Henry, and Crews Carter. Martha was born January 15, 1925, and grew up on a family farm near Alto, Texas during the postwar and then Depression era. Martha graduated salutatorian in the class of 1943 from Alto High School. Along with her twin sister, Ann, she moved to Dallas in 1943, where she secured a position with the civil service, to process payroll for the War Department. Martha and her twin sister chose a double wedding ceremony in Dallas in 1949. Martha continued work with the Veterans Administration while Norman finished his degree at SMU and then graduate school at Columbia University in New York. Martha loved living in New York City and they made many friends everywhere they went. The couple returned to Dallas after Norman finished at Columbia and Gregg was born in July of 1951. Martha was a wonderful homemaker, wife and mother, taking pride in keeping a lovely home, graciously entertaining and becoming active with Preston Hollow Elementary School. She was a member of Preston Hollow United Methodist Church. Two daughters, Pam and Melissa, quickly followed Gregg, giving them three little ones under four years old. The youngest, Keith, came along five years later and he was adored by all. During her children’s formative years, the family enjoyed many driving trips all across the United States, Norman eagerly planning and Martha gladly along for the adventure. Like many of their generation, Martha and Norman enjoyed bridge parties, community service groups, and travel, including trips to Europe, the Baltic, Canada, and the Panama Canal. Martha held many leadership roles in just about every community organization that she joined. In 1981, Martha and Norman moved from Preston Hollow to Irving, Texas to begin a new chapter of their lives. They made many wonderful new friends, entertained regularly, enjoyed the community and Martha became active with a number of organizations, including the Las Colinas Woman's Club, the Irving Symphony League, and Texasfest. Martha received the "High Spirited Citizen Award" in March 2009 for her community service. Martha always enjoyed learning and current events, and was an active member of the Dallas Public Affairs Luncheon Club, and always remained close friends with their Supper Club. Most of all, Martha enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved keeping up with her grandchildren on Instagram through her iPad. Martha loved us well and we will miss her independent and confident spirit. A celebration of life will be hosted at noon on Friday, January 29, 2021, at Restland Funeral Home Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a memorial gift to the Wounded Warrior Project or the charity of the donor's choice. Live streaming of the service may be viewed at the link below. http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/46715

Martha Fuqua McMurry

January 15, 1925 - January 20, 2021