Barbara "Tootie" (Smith) Murray

Mrs. Barbara “Tootie” Smith Murray was born in Durham County, to the late Lonie Smith Evans. She transitioned to peaceful rest on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at her home.

Barbara attended the Durham Public Schools.  She was employed at Duke Hospital, Burlington Industries and The Veteran’s Administration Hospital from which she retired from in 2005.

Barbara was a faithful member of Bell-Yeager Free Will Baptist Church and the Bell-Yeager Culinary Team Ministry.  She served and cooked in the kitchen with her buddies: Ms. Anna Patterson, Ms. Wanda Carrington and Ms. Lena Smith.  They were a team that worked so well together for all church gatherings and fed many persons during her loyal service.  A link in the chain has been broken but never forgotten.

“Tootie” said what she meant and meant what she said.  Her smile and laughter was infectious to all.   She was a true friend indeed and will be sorely missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her mother Lonie, her brothers Doug, William (Sambo) and Roger. Her sister Louise, and two children, Steve and her beloved Dollie. She leaves to cherish her memories two daughters Yolanda Barkley of Durham, NC, Karen Matthews of McLeansville, NC,  two sons, Michael Smith of the home and Brian Murray of Washington, DC. 9 grandchildren, Marquis, Cerise, Tinque, Tierra, Scottie, Shantae, Chelsea, Makiah and Phillip. 17 Great Grandchildren and   a host of nieces, nephews, and her dearest friends, Sarah Jones, Dora Miles, Shirley Glover and Ruby Brodie.

To everything there is a season, and  a

Time to every purpose under the heaven……..

Ecclesiastes 3:1

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