Founding First Lady Shirley Murray

Funeral service for Evangelist Dr. Shirley Murray will be held Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11 AM at Full Gospel Holy Temple World Headquarters, 39727 LBJ Freeway.

EVANGELIST, DR. SHIRLEY MAE HOLLIS MURRAY was born in Henderson, Texas January 19, 1932 to the late Simon and Pauline Moss Hollis. She received her formal education from Henderson Colored High School. Shortly afterwards, she met and married the love of her life the late Apostle Lobias Murray, Founder of Full Gospel Holy Temple Church, Inc. What began as a pen-pal writing friendship soon blossomed into a lasting love and 61 years of marriage. As stated in Proverbs 31, the heart of her husband had complete trust in her and he lacked nothing. She rewarded him with good and not evil all the days of his life.  She was the “apple of his eyes,” and he was the “sunshine of her life.”

A PHENOMENAL WOMAN

At the crossroads age of 18, the trajectory of Dr. Murray’s life took a decisive turn when she tried, unsuccessfully, to run from the voice of God. But God who knew her name, was relentless in His call: “Shirley, will you come?”  Unable to drown out the voice of God, after many sleepless nights, she surrendered with an eternal “Yes Lord.”  Her answer was an earmark for destiny. A few years later, God used her life as a witness to influence Apostle Murray to surrender his life to God.  In 1961 he established Full Gospel Holy Temple Church with six members and some borrowed chairs. Fifty nine years later, the ministry has grown exponentially to a fellowship of over 30 churches and a local mega church. Together, they were an awesome couple used mightily by God in a sound doctrine, deliverance ministry with signs, miracles and wonders following.

Dr. Murray was a loving, supportive, tower of quiet strength for her husband, a doting mother for her children, a First Lady par excellence, a wise church co-founder, a discerning counselor, an anointed evangelist, a skillful and knowledgeable Sunday School teacher, a conquering prayer warrior, a women’s department facilitator and gatekeeper, a prayerful women’s convention president,  a gracious Founding First Lady, and a sainted Mother.  She calmly navigated the charted course of her roles with grace, poise, wisdom, dignity and strength.  Always fashionably and modestly dressed, Dr. Murray adorned holiness in clothes and modeled it for the world to see.  As a First Lady, she was sought after for wise counsel. Her “down-to-earth” preaching style draws a wide listening audience to her “Showers of Blessings” broadcast at 12 noon (Monday-Friday) on KGGR (1040 AM.) The indelible imprint of her ministry and life shall forever be felt by those who loved her.

In 1979 Dr. Murray and her husband opened the doors of Lobias Murray Christian Academy and the Shirley Murray Child Development Center. The visionaries desired a safe, secure and Christian place for children to learn and grow.  During its 30 year existence, the center provided exceptional childcare services and played a pivotal role in equipping preschoolers with the necessary building block for a quality education.

Additionally, she is noted for her founded organization the Helping Hand Outreach Ministry. Established in 1981 as a Christmas giveaway for needy and indigent families to receive food, clothes and toys, the organization has served as a ‘helping hand’ to thousands in the DFW metroplex. Her humanitarian efforts received praise from city, county and state officials in the form of commendations, certificates, plaques, resolutions and trophies for her stellar charity and educational contributions.

“Her children rise up to call her blessed,” Proverbs 31:28

She was a woman of noble character who worked tirelessly in support of her family. An excellent cook and homemaker, she created a home of comfort, order, beauty and elegance.  A strict disciplinarian, she raised her children with love, dignity, respect and a firm hand.  Those left to cherish her memory are three daughters: Mrs. Sharon (Elder Alfred) Smith, Gwendol Renee Murray, Brenda Rice and a special daughter, Mrs. Jeanette Murray Williams. Fifteen grandchildren: Apostle Herman L.(Lady Daniele) Murray, Jr., Shawnetta Murray, LaJoi (Colby) Onic, Patrick Murray, Adric Smith, Amaya Baker, Dallas Rice, Jr., Bernica (Zackary)Williamson, Anrica, Domonique, LaCharleston, Gianna, Rhianna, Brianna, Tianna Murray and Christopher Wright (Honorary grandson). Nineteen great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and the loving, devoted Full Gospel Holy Temple, Inc. membership.