Mary Lois Murray

A funeral service for Mary Lois Murray, 87, is scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at Autry Funeral Home in Jacksonville with Rev. Scott Brown officiating. She will be laid to rest at Providence Cemetery in Jacksonville. Visitation will begin on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, and family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. at Autry Funeral Home, Jacksonville. 

Mary Lois Murray was born November 7th, 1937, in Jacksonville, Texas to Jewel and Mary Bell Chandler. She married Tony Murray on May 23rd, 1959, and gave birth to their daughter, Michelle, a few years later.  She was a cherished wife, and a steadfast mother, with enough bull-headed determination to make a warrior shake in his boots. 
Mary Lois was a woman of many talents: cooking, telling stories, party planning, and her incredible fashion sense are among others that will be remembered forever. If you were lucky enough to know Mary Lois, you know she had a true servant’s heart, not only for others but for the Lord. She was a member of Central Baptist Church in Jacksonville where she was a pivotal part of her women’s Sunday school class, and lead by example through her personal walk with Christ. She served the Lord much like she served her friends and family: with full hands and a happy heart. It brought her joy to do for her family and others. She enjoyed the smile on people’s faces when they tasted her homemade candy, or when they walked into her home at Christmas to see it filled to the brim with decorations. You could always count on Lois to make you feel loved and welcomed. 
Mary Lois is survived by her husband, Tony Murray; daughter, Michelle Hurst and husband Randy; grandchildren, Patrick Hurst and Lacy Hurst-Hageness; great grandchildren, Wyatt, Waylon, and Westyn Hurst; and brother, George Chandler. A very heartfelt thank you to Katrina Hansen and Waive Reynolds, for their many hours poured into loving on Lois and caring for her. We are eternally grateful. Mary Lois is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Junior, Jerry, and Lee Mack; and sister, Bonnie Dickson. 
While there is grief and sadness in her absence earth side, we find peace and joy in the Lord that she has been made whole again. 
Pallbearers will be Randy Hurst, Patrick Hurst, Brandon Hageness, Wyatt Hurst, Waylon Hurst, and Westyn Hurst. 
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to Hospice of East Texas, Rusk High School Alumni Association, or Providence Cemetery at PO BOX 2244, Jacksonville, TX 75766.