Ora Dell Henderson Murray, 89, wife of 56 years to the late Dr. John Girardeau Murray III, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, August 16, 2026.

Ora Dell was born on May 4, 1937, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the daughter of the late John Daniel Henderson and Martha Myers Logan Henderson. When her family moved to Miami, she adopted the nickname “Okie,” which stayed with her throughout her life.

Okie graduated from Erskine College in 1959. While at Erskine, she met her future husband, Dr. John G. Murray III, “Gerry,” in the spring of 1957. They were married on June 12, 1959, and shared 56 years of marriage. Okie taught elementary school in Pendleton and Orangeburg, South Carolina, and Athens, Georgia, while Gerry completed his studies. She later supported Gerry as he established James Island Veterinary Hospital and throughout his lifelong career in veterinary medicine.

Okie and Gerry were founding members of Harbor View Presbyterian Church. Wherever Okie attended church, she became deeply involved in women’s and children’s ministries. She was known for loading carloads of neighborhood children into her car and taking them to church activities, teaching Sunday School and women’s Bible studies, and starting new ministry initiatives in her community. One example of her dedication to community ministry was as a key leader in bringing Living Proof Live, featuring Beth Moore, to the North Charleston Coliseum.

Okie created her own ministry, writing biblical fictional narratives that brought the message of Jesus Christ to life. She was invited to churches and groups to perform these narratives and share her unique message of following Jesus. Her desire was to share the Good News of Jesus.

Okie and Gerry moved to Edisto Island in 1993, where she made her home for many years.

Okie is survived by her three children, John G. Murray IV (Jennifer) of Lawrenceville, Georgia; Anna Catherine Lake (Larry) of Richmond, Virginia; and Charles Murray (Lisa) of Aiken, South Carolina; eight grandchildren, Kelly Downs, Jake Murray (Emily), Katie Beth Bittick (Kenny), Mari Claire Lake, Matthew Lake, Amie Myers Felty (Sam), Logan Murray, and Sterling Murray; and three great-grandchildren, Julia Carol Downs, John Girardeau Murray VI, and Asa King Murray.

She is also survived by her sister, Libby Henderson Davis (Walt); her brother, John D. Henderson (Nan); and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Martha Logan Slyman.

A memorial service celebrating Okie’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island, 2164 Highway 174. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Arrangements are being handled by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, Charleston, SC..

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts in honor of Ora Dell Murray be given to the following organizations.

· Edisto Island Community Clinic via a mailed check with the memo recognizing Ora Dell Murray. PO Box 56, Edisto Island, SC 29438.

· TMS Global at www.tms-global.org or via a mailed check with the memo recognizing Ora Dell Murray. PO Box 936559, Atlanta, GA 31193-6559, or via the memorial page at: https://www.tms-global.org/other-ways-to-give#anchor-honorarium-memorial-gifts

·Living Water Adopt a Child at https://us.adopt-a-child.com/give or via mailed check with the memo recognizing Ora Dell Murray. 2221 S. Blue Angel Pkwy., Pensacola, FL 32506.

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