Mary H Murray

Mary Helen Tookes was born to Kattie Henrietta and Robert Lee Tookes on July 20, 1938, in Oglethorpe Georgia, Macon County. In 1944 her parents relocated their young family to Miami Florida, Dade County for better opportunities. Mary Helen was raised in a loving Christian family, with generations of matriarchs who modeled a strong work ethic.

Mary was the eldest daughter of the family's eight children and was affectionately called "Sister" by her family. She was a strong, no-nonsense woman whose life was defined by wisdom, determination, and a quiet strength. Mary graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1957. As a young lady, she dreamed of traveling and experiencing the world beyond her hometown. In July 1957, after much prompting from Mary and Curtis, she was permitted to accompany Curtis to Baltimore, Maryland, where he was serving as an airman.

Living on her own, Mary flourished, embracing new opportunities and building an independent life. After a few years, Curtis's duty station was changed to New York, and again Mary followed her brother Curtis to New York. Curtis secured a roomette for Mary in Washington Heights. Mary enrolled in school for a short period, then worked various clerical jobs in New York. Mary met Thomas Watson and later married him on June 10, 1961. From this union, two daughters, Michele and Veronica, were born. Mary and Thomas later divorced, and Mary raised their daughters as she began her career with the State of New York Unified Court System. In 1981, love found its way into Mary’s heart again, and on September 3, 1983, Mary was united in marriage to Jay F. Murray, often called “Pops,” until his death in December 1989.

Mary’s distinguished career spanned 53 years with the State of New York Unified Court System. She dedicated 27 of those years to the Bronx Probate Court, where she faithfully served as a court clerk, diligently earning numerous recognitions for her service, including 50 years of dedication and contribution to NYS Courts on May 17, 2017. Also, a citation of Merit from Ruben Diaz Jr., President of the Borough of the Bronx, on May 12, 2017. On March 26, 2018, Mary H. Murray was given the Bernard Botein Award for outstanding contributions to the administration of the courts. She served honorably and was well respected for her commitment. Mary retired at the age of 82 in 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and began this new chapter of life surrounded by the love and steadfast support of her daughter, Michele, and her family in New York City.

When Mary was not working, she was a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, and proud great-grandmother. She embraced life to the fullest, finding joy in reading, taking pictures, playing checkers, tending to her many houseplants, and enjoying entertainment. Mary remained deeply connected to her family, faithfully returning to Miami each summer to spend a few weeks with the people she cherished.

Mary H. Murray accepted the Lord as her Savior at a young age, and her relationship with God remained the foundation of her life. Throughout the years, she faithfully served in numerous ministries, sharing her gifts through singing, serving as an usher, church clerk, Sunday School teacher, and Deacon. Mary was a dedicated member of Greater Universal Baptist Church in the Bronx, NY, for approximately 16 years, along with her daughter Veronica and family. She later continued her faithful service and fellowship at First Corinthian Baptist Church in NY, NY for 17 years, along with her daughter Michele and family.

Mary returned to Georgia in her final years by relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, in 2022. In her retirement years in Atlanta, Georgia, Mary spent much of her time enjoying the comforts of home. She found joy in watching shows on Netflix, neighborhood walks, completing word search puzzles, spending her weekdays attending her treatment and sharing special moments with her family. She was gracefully and lovingly cared for by her daughter Veronica who remained by her side until her peaceful passing.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Katie Ridley; her parents, Kattie and Robert Lee Tookes; grandson, J’maal Keyes; siblings, Robert Tookes, George Tookes, Eva K. Martin; son-in-law, Michael Keyes.

Mary leaves to mourn her passing: her Siblings: Curtis Tookes (Lucy), Bernice Tookes, Thomas Tookes, Vivian Tookes; Children: Michele Pratt and Veronica Keyes; Grandchildren: Renznick II (Krystal), Tashay, Ja’Lisa (Brandon), J’von (Deviney), Kyanna, Jaire; Great-Grandchildren: Shawn, Aniyah, Nova, Michael Jmaal, Maverick; Nieces: Tara, Catherine, Octavia, Valerie, Stephanie, Carolyn, Shannon, Precious, Kisha, Alicia, Shalona, Shaneat. Nephews: Curtis Anthony, Curtis Jr., Frederick, Benjamin, Reginald, Gari, Eddie “TJ”, and a host of great-nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, coworkers, and church members.

She will be deeply missed.