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Linda Murray Obituary
April 23, 1949 – June 05, 2021
Linda Diane Gray Murray, 72, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 5, 2021, after a long bout with illness. She was the daughter of Luther and Evalia Gray, who preceded her in death; and the sister of Luther Stephens (Norwatha) Gray of New Orleans. For 48 years, Linda was the devoted wife of the Honorable Leonard Murray, currently Circuit Judge of Cook County. She was the proud mother of Malik Todd Murray, Kai Leone Murray, Kamau Leon (Jennifer) Murray, and Nubia Regina Murray (Brian) Davis; and she was the loving grandmother of Zarah, Zanea, and Ramik Spencer; and Brooke, Kenneth, and Grant Murray. For over 40 years, Linda spent her career as a veteran educator in Chicago Public
Schools, with a majority of those years at Hyde Park Academy on Chicago's Southside. She had a passion for teaching Sociology, Psychology, and World History, with an emphasis on African American History. As the winningest coach in the history of the famed TV competition, Know Your Heritage, she and her student teams were 15-time Champions. While at Hyde Park Academy, Linda earned a Master's degree in History from Chicago State University, and a second Master's degree in Educational Supervision and Administration from Governors State University. This enabled her to rise up through the ranks from social studies teacher, to department chair, to counselor, and on to her final position as assistant principal, until her retirement in 2011. Linda loved to create and lead innovative community initiatives to benefit the public at large. In the late 60s, while at the University of Illinois, where she received her bachelor's degree in Education, she started the Black Student Association. As a member of the Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she helped start their Black Arts Fair, better known as Gallery D'Estee. For over two decades, Linda also supported the Africa International House, helping to execute the African Festival of the Arts, held every Labor Day Weekend in Washington Park. Linda was a faithful member of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, serving in the Women's Club, the Investment Club, and led their time capsule preservation initiative. In addition to her passion for African Art, Linda's prized possession was her garden, which she nurtured throughout the spring and summer months. Linda will be remembered for her love of family, her strong faith, high-intellect,
resourcefulness, quick wit, charisma and her endless support of her friends and colleagues. Linda's memorial services will be held Thursday, June 24th – Saturday, June 26th at St. Josephine Bakhita Church, 2132 E. 72nd Street. Visit www.LindaMurrayMemorial.com for more details.
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Memories and Condolences
for Linda Murray
Sponsored by Chicago Sun-Times.
Adrienne Semmes
June 29, 2021
My heart goes out to her family. She left a lifelong impression me and it shaped my perspective . I love African art, because of her . RIHeaven ,my dear friend...
Melisa Bailey-Willis
June 26, 2021
One of my favorite teachers. You will be greatly missed. Family, please accept my condolences and prayers for strength. She was a great lady and loved by many.
Kay Arnold Futrell
June 26, 2021
So sorry to hear of Linda´s passing. We attended U of I at Chicago Circle together and I only have great memories of those days. Lifting up prayers to her family. Also, shared DST w/her.
Linda Dailey
June 25, 2021
My deepest sympathies, I grew up down the street from Linda, she recruited my daughter from grade school to Hyde Park Academy, we are both forever grateful for her kindness and that beautiful smile. Rest in peace, job well done.
Jacquie Douglas Bramlett
June 25, 2021
Mrs. Murray you made my senior year at Hyde Park memorable, in our marriage and life class. I took this opportunity with me your smiling face and pleasant personality made coming to class the highlight of my day. Our classroom debates followed me through my life and I could draw back and use the tools you gave to "think before you speak, then when you speak do it with conviction ". I had th opportunity to speak to you for a little while at a brief visit to the school back in the 90's and I enjoyed seeing you again. To your family I offer my sincere condolences and to the people Chicago whose lives you touched , you will be truly missed.
Shawnese Shannon
June 25, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. I was a student from 1979-1983. Ms. Murray was a great teacher and a great role model.
Donna Tate Gillespie
June 24, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. You were truly an inspiration. Class of 1979
Areta Mathis
June 24, 2021
May God comfort the family during this time of sorrow.
Linda will truly be missed. I have been their neighbor since 1994. Every year I looked forward to her summer project of planting beautiful flowers in the back yard. Flowers just as beautiful as she was inside and out. Thank God for such great neighbors.
Simone Douglas
June 24, 2021
A life well lived. Hats off to Mrs. Murray. C/O 2001 HP
Jeadenia Wilder
June 24, 2021
With sincere sympathy for my special sleeping sorority sister.
Jan Graefen
June 24, 2021
A brilliant, hard-working teacher, Linda inspired her co-workers as much as her students. Her energy level was always high and ideas flowed as easily from her as any fountain. No one at Hyde Park will ever forget her.
May she Rest In Peace.
Patricia Davis McCann
June 24, 2021
I met Linda while pledging at the Chicago Alumnae Chapter if Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, almost 25 years ago. She made a point of reaching out to me, showing friendship and support. She always had a smile and exhibited true sisterhood . I attended many of the arts and letters activities there and looked forward to seeing her , enjoying the creativity her committee shared. She was a lovely woman and her death is a great loss. However, we believe that to be absent from the body is to be present with our Lord. Rest In Peace Linda
Sabrena (Gipson) Sanders
June 23, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Mrs.Linda Murray Family.I was one of her students in the early 80's.Graduating C/O 1984!She will be truly missed!!She was Very kind and cared about our education.
LAVERNE CAROL MANUEL
June 23, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Donna Washington
June 22, 2021
Kai and family , My sincere and deepest sympathy. "Do not let your heart be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me"´. John 14:1 May God Bless you and comfort you during this difficult time.
Susan O. Walker-Marshall
June 22, 2021
"I fought a good fight, I finished my course; I have kept the faith Hence forth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge shall give me at that day: and not me only, but also that love his appearing." 2Timothy 4:7-8
Emma Bostic
June 22, 2021
One of the best teachers I had the pleasure to work with.
Sanford Kahn
June 22, 2021
Dear Leonard,
I am very sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family as this time.
Sanford Kahn
Marian and Jeff Jacobson
June 22, 2021
Dear Kamau, Jeff and I send you and your extended family our deepest sympathy for the loss of your mother. We hope that being with family and celebrating your mother's amazing life gives you comfort at this time. With love, Marian and Jeff
Dr. Shirlen Triplett
June 22, 2021
You freely offered your wonderful talents in your living that have left such a rich legacy of your life!!
Rest in Power
Artrina Beck
June 21, 2021
She was and outstanding Educator!! Always honest down to earth. Very loving and tell it too yiu straight! Job well done!! Sleep well my queen!
Sharon Thomas Parrott
June 21, 2021
My heart goes out to Linda´s family. I´ve known her since college. She was wicked smart, funny and always so nice. As history majors we shared the love of the subject. Rest In Peace my friend
Debbie
June 21, 2021
Heartfelt condolences to the family
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