Obituary of Joyce Marie Murray

Joyce Marie Jensen Murray was born in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin on May 25, 1937. Her mother and father, Russell and Bernice Jensen, owned and operated a small farm in the rural town of Eureka where she grew up alongside her brother Phillip. Joyce graduated from St. Croix Falls High School where she played in the school band and sang in the choir. Her love of instrumental and vocal music continued throughout her life. Upon graduating from high school, she moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota and worked as a secretary for the Thermo King company where she met James T. Murray. She and Jim were married in 1959, celebrating nearly 64 years of marriage before his death in 2017. They had 2 children – Lisa and Bradley. Upon moving from the Mid-west to Punta Gorda in 1975, she used her musical talent through her participation in Liberty Singers of Charlotte County for 30 years and as a faithful member of the adult choir and ladies’ trio at First Baptist Church Punta Gorda. She enjoyed opportunities to sing at Disney World, perform in “The Music Man” and “Oklahoma” at the Charlotte County Memorial Auditorium, record 2 CD’s , and present Christmas and other holiday performances in Charlotte County with the Liberty Singers. Joyce worked as a secretary for Eastside Baptist Church and First Baptist Church Punta Gorda, a career that spanned over 40 years. She served in various capacities while a member of First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda for 47 years and served as the Clerk/Treasurer to the Peace River Baptist Association. She passed away into the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ in Clermont, Florida on August 1st after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s. Preceding her in death were her parents, H. Russell and Bernice Jensen, beloved husband James T. Murray & son, Bradley Murray. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Murray Turner (Ralph), her daughter-in-law Keochay Murray, her brother Phillip Jensen (Judy), nephew Scott Jensen (Amanda), niece Krista Jensen (Bill), her grandchildren James B. Murray (Katryna), Jonathon Murray (Michelle), Justin Murray, Jarrod Murray (Keri), Joshua Turner (Jennifer), Benjamin Turner (Haley), and her granddaughter Kacie Turner. Thirteen great-grandchildren carry on the Murray legacy – Jordan, Jaxson, Kaisley, James, Kylee, Jordyn, Quinn, Emryn, Emberlynn, Jasmyn, Auriella, Ayven, and Collin. Her family will forever love and miss her – she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, daughter, sister, cousin, and friend whose priorities were her Lord, her community, and her family & friends. Though she is physically gone from our presence, the legacy she has left behind through her family, dedication to service, and life-long faith will have earned her the highest praise of “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Keep smiling Mom, and we’ll see you soon! LMT A celebration of her life will be 11:00 am, Friday, August 11, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Punta Gorda at 311 Gill Street in Punta Gorda. You are invited to attend a reception at the church following the service. In lieu of flowers: Please support the mission of “Cure Alzheimer’s Fund” --- curealz.org (Charity Navigator Rating of 4) – 100% of all donations go to support research into early detection/prevention/treatment/cure.