Dorothy Murray

Dorothy R. Murray was born to Alberta Smith Williams and Jesse Williams on August 25, 1927.

She was united in holy matrimony to Charles K. Murray and provided a warm and loving home for their three children Pete, Pam and Kenny..

Education was important to her. She graduated from William Penn High School and then continued her education to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN).

Dorothy was incredibly accomplished. She served as the first African American Chief of SPD at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. During her distinguished 33 years at the hospital, she received numerous awards for her dedication and outstanding job performance. After she retired from the VA, she continued to pursue other career interests. She went on to work for the Philadelphia Archdiocese as the bookkeeper at St. Martin DePorres Catholic Church and years later retired a second time. She became an active member in the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary Court 187 and attended conferences on behalf of the Knights and Ladies until her move to California 2013.

Most recently, Dorothy lived with her daughter Pam and son-in-law David in Sun City Shadow Hills in Indio, California. She continued her social life and became a member of the Women of Color in Sun City Shadow Hills. She thoroughly enjoyed her participation in the lively social group. Always the true diva, she looked forward to the monthly lunches and the ladies in the group.

Dorothy had a true zest for life. Her friends enjoyed both her company and her advice. She was loved and valued immensely by her family and the community she served. She loved to travel and shop. She was able to parlay both of these loves with experiences in Europe, South America and various islands. Her life was enriched by her many travel experiences.

She leaves to mourn her three children, Modesto Peter Castro III, Pamela Castro-Lee and Charles Kenneth Murray, two daughter-in-laws, Diane Castro, Deneen Murray and one son-in-law David R. Lee, 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 4 sister-in-laws, Margaret Murray, Delsina Adams, Evelyn Trustee and Leola Murray, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Though they will miss Dorothy, they are comforted by knowing that she had a full and rich life and left an indelible impression on the many people she touched.