Juanita “Nita” Mae Murray (nee Stoneman)
January 30, 1937 - April 6, 2025
Juanita “Nita” Murray, age 88, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, April 6, 2025.
Born in Hillsville, VA, on January 30, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Dorsey Stoneman and Ella (Pugh) Patrick. Nita made her career an as administrative assistant at the University of Delaware Communications Department over 20 years until her retirement.
Nita was a devout Christian and believed that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior. She faithfully attended church and then began watching sermons when she could no longer attend in person. Nita faithfully read and studied her Bible daily. She loved sharing about the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. When she told someone she would pray for them, she would stop whatever activity she was doing at the time and pray for that person. She was known for her generosity, almost to a fault, and lived her life in service to others. Along with her husband, Bill, she supported many ministries and “adopted” numerous children in need in other countries, as well as helping numerous people locally.
Nita was a true matriarch; she was the family shepherd, always gathering the family as often as possible. Many times, she babysat all five grandchildren at the same time. She also helped care for two of her great-grandchildren and would have cared for her third, had the opportunity risen. Nita also attended almost every event for every child, grandchild and great-grandchild until her last days. Nita also loved her friends and neighbors dearly.
Spending time reading the Word of God and time with her family were her greatest joys. She could also be found working in her vegetable and flower gardens, writing poetry or stories, as well as drawing or coloring. Most of all, she will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she would want others to know the joy of having the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
In addition to her parents, Nita was preceded in death by her son, William M. Murray; granddaughter, Ami Murray; brother, Carson Stoneman; nephew, Jason McGhee; and nephew, Carson Stoneman, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William W. Murray; children, Robert J. Murray (Michele) and Karen L. Reuschlein; siblings, Kent Stoneman (Lida), Patricia Duncan, and Debra McGhee (James); grandchildren, Joshua, Amber (Matt), Casey, and Justin; great-grandchildren, Dominic, Savannah, and Gabriella; and former daughter-in-law, Sherri Sammons. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins whom she dearly loved.
All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nita’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607or online by clicking here.
Joanne Cox
Nita was a beautiful woman inside and out. She and I were 1st cousins. I loved her dearly but I know she is with our Lord now and is at peace. Continued prayers for all the family.
Pat duncan
My sister was one in a million. She was a friend, sister and mother. She was there when I needed her and a supportive hand in time of trouble. There is an empty place in my heart where she will reside always and a place in heaven that is now filled. Love to the family….l.l.l
Leslie Atkins
My heart goes out to Bill and the family… I am so sorry for your precious loss.
She will surely be missed.
Nita was always so kind to me – a true example of what a Christian should be – full of grace. So sad to hear of her passing, but rejoicing that undoubtedly she is now in the arms of Jesus.
Roger and Shirley Rivard
Kent and family,
We want to express our sincere sympathy in the passing of your sister, Nita. She sounds like a beautiful person. I’m sure she is going to be missed by all who knew her. It’s hard to lose siblings. It always feels like they took a piece of your heart with them. May your sister Nita R.I.P.
With love and sincere sympathy,
Roger and Shirley
Carol Rector Witt
What s lovely testimony to a beautiful woman that “Nita” lived all her life. My prayers for comfort family.
Kevin McPartland
My deepest confidences to the whole family.
Bonnie Nagle
My sincerest condolences to Nita’s Family,
Beautiful Nita, I will miss you
♥️
Stephanie
I had only known her for a short period of time and it happened to be a tough time, but she was such a sweet lady
Carol Stoneman Roller
My deepest sympathy to her family.
Carol Boyer
I am so sorry to hear about the death of Nita, your loved one. It sounds as though she lived a full life for Christ. She is with our Heavenly Father and in no pain.
alfred lewis
KENT PAT AND FAMILY MEMBERS SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF NITA GREAT LADY