Doris Jean Murray "Golden Diva"

Doris Jean Murray was born on June 4, 1942, in Harpersville, Mississippi, to Banks and Ophelia (Owens) Murray. She was the second oldest of nine children born to this union. During her early years in Mississippi, Jean enjoyed fishing and spending time with her siblings and cousins. She often fondly reminisced about her days at Long Pilgrim School, the mischief they got into and the pranks her cousins would play.

After the Murray family relocated to Indianapolis, Jean attended Indianapolis Public School #17 and Crispus Attucks High School. She discovered her passion for hairstyling and went on to attend beauty school. For many years, she used her talents working alongside Otis Boyd in his beauty shop. Jean also held positions at Wishard Hospital, Link-Belt, and the Westside Rehab Clinic. While working at the clinic, she survived a devastating gas explosion that destroyed the facility.

Jean truly enjoyed life and cherished her family, extended family, and friends. She never met a stranger, but she also made sure people approached her with respect. She loved fishing with her cousins, catching, cleaning, and eating fish, which was her favorite food.

One of Jean’s greatest joys was participating in the family’s Friday gatherings at her parents’ home. These special times were filled with card games, laughter, and good food, a treasured tradition that welcomed both family and friends.

Jean was blessed with the gifts of communication and a deep love for children. She opened her home to care for children of all ages and backgrounds. Through her nurturing spirit, she instilled in them proper manners, social skills, and, most importantly, the love of Jesus. The children she cared for were truly blessed by her guidance, forming lasting bonds and lifelong connections with her.

Jean was a devoted servant of God who truly loved her Lord and Savior. Her Christian walk touched countless lives. She faithfully served in many capacities at her church, Liberation A.M.E. Zion, where she was a co-founder when it was established in 1994. She held a deep love and respect for her founding pastor, Pastor Emeritus Rev. Charles W. Thurman Sr., and her present pastor and Godson, Pastor Dr. Charles Wesley Thurman Jr.

Her service to the church was extensive and heartfelt, including roles as a Sunday School teacher, member of the hospitality committee, choir member, missionary, and head of the Greeters Ministry. One of her most impactful ministries was her prison outreach, where she wrote hundreds of letters to incarcerated men, encouraging them to seek God, remain strong, never give up, and remember that they are forgiven and loved. Even when her right hand became weak, Jean persevered, continuing her ministry by writing with her left hand.

She was also a faithful participant in the Monday night prayer call, joining a devoted group of praying women who stood in the gap on behalf of others. She was very diligent in calling church members and friends whom she has not seen or heard from.

On April 5, 2026, at 4:05 p..m., Jean was called home to rest. She was preceded in death by her parents, Banks and Ophelia (Owens) Murray; her sisters, Annie Rose, Janet Shepherd, and Emma Lasiter; and her brother, Patrick Ramon Murray.

Jean leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving daughter, Monique Conger; her devoted son-in-love, Anthony Conger; and her beloved grandson, Christian Nunn. She is also survived by her sisters, Mary R. Patterson, Peggy A. Murray, Margaret R. Tillman (Alfred), Jenice Murray, Tammy D. Lacen (Frank), and Leigh-Ann Kulla, whom mom lovingly raised; and her brothers, Charles H. Murray (Bernada) and Kenneth L. Murray (Rocky).

Jean also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends whom she loved deeply. Many affectionately called her “Mama Jean,” “Jean Jean,” “Bubba,” and “Flossie”, names that reflect the many roles she played in the lives of others.

Of all the names she was given, two held a special place in her heart: “Golden Diva,” lovingly called by her daughter Monique, and most importantly, “Child of God,” the name by which she wished to be remembered.