Beverley "MaBev" Gilmer McMurray

Lucy Beverley Gilmer McMurray of Morganton, NC, affectionately known as “MaBev,” died Sunday, November 23, 2014 on her 94^th birthday.  Born in Waynesville, VA on November 23, 1920 and raised in Lynchburg, VA, she was the daughter of the late Graham Gilmer and Lena Richardson Gilmer.  MaBev was a devout member of First Presbyterian Church, where she and Betty Gardin, her dear friend, could be found napping on many a weekday.  A vocal and cheerful soul, she was an ambassador of her community, who, for many years, could be seen traveling the roads of Burke County and contiguous shires in a simple, brown Chevrolet truck.  Later, she became a daily fixture of the outer aisles in Ingle’s grocery store where she took her constitutional.  An artist and a musician, MaBev shared her talents in an especially Christian manner: free-of-charge.  Many of her paintings adorn the walls of local businesses, and, prior to her move to Grace Ridge Retirement Facility, MaBev would often play piano for the residents on Sunday evenings.  “I go where the spirit leads me,” she can be recalled saying, and on Sunday, the spirit and she moved on together: a journey for which she’d always been prepared.  Beverley is survived by her son, Graham McMurray and his wife, Lupe, of Tucker, GA; a daughter, Martha McMurray-Russ and her husband, Don, of Morganton; a daughter-in-law, Lura McMurray of Mooresville, NC; grandchildren, William McMurray, John G. McMurray, James D. McMurray, Elizabeth McMurray, Erik Russ, Emily Russ, John Rafael McMurray, and Graham Gerardo McMurray; a great-granddaughter, Elle McMurray; and her loving friend and caregiver, Betty Gardin.

In addition to her parents, MaBev was preceded in death by her husband, John Horace McMurray, a son, Dr. John McMurray, and four siblings.

MaBev’s life will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m., Friday, November 28, 2014 at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Adam Bowling and the Rev. Beth Ann Miller officiating.  The family will receive friends in the church parlor following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 Silver Creek Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.