Sylvia Murray

Tinka Murray, 76, of Somerville went to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 11, 2018. Visitation is set for Sunday, January 14, 2018 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Strickland Funeral Home in Somerville. A funeral service will be held Monday, January 15, 2018, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Burleson County Cowboy Church in Caldwell. A 2nd visitation precedes the funeral service at 3 p.m. Interment will be at Oaklawn Cemetery in Somerville.

Tinka was born December 27, 1941 to Thomas and Helen Simons in Kingsville, TX.

She graduated from Spring Branch High School and earned her B.A. in Christian Education from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX. Her first job was as Christian Education Director at First United Methodist Church of Freeport, TX, which is where she met her future husband Don “Skipper” Murray. On August 28, 1965, they were married at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church in Houston. This union was blessed with two daughters, Shay and Michelle, to whom she was a loving mother.

While Skipper’s work took Tinka many different places, she ministered everywhere and to everyone she met. She led Backyard Bible Clubs in Slidell, LA, where so many came that her house looked like the “bicycle parking lot” for local children. Tinka and Skipper opened their home to special needs children in 1990 and, with God’s help, provided life-changing education tailored to each child’s unique needs. Their efforts touched and improved the lives of many children, most of whom have gone on to successful, independent livelihoods.

When the Murrays moved to Somerville in 1992, they brought their desire to serve the community like few others ever have. Among many other community services, Tinka led a Wednesday Children’s Ministry at First Baptist Church of Somerville for many years; was Secretary of the Somerville Historical Society; was Director of Somerville Area Assistance Ministries (SAAM); was Secretary for Somerville Library Association; helped found Community Chapel Christian Academy; was an election judge for the Burleson County Republican Party; was Secretary for the Oaklawn Cemetery Association; and served as a volunteer with the Salvation Army in Somerville. In recognition of her community service, she and Skipper were awarded “Citizen of the Year” in 2017 by the Burleson County Chamber of Commerce, an award Tinka also received individually in 2012.

As a devout follower of Jesus Christ and a dedicated prayer warrior, Tinka was a faithful member of Community Chapel. Believing that every believer should be a disciple, she taught Sunday school at every church she called home and, consequently, led many to a saving knowledge of Jesus. Her love for Jesus and others was evident in her welcoming smile and warm embrace. She will always be remembered as a devoted and loving wife; loving and God-led mother; a detailed planner; collaborative coordinator; tireless servant to others; and a faithful, born-again follower of Christ.

She is preceded in death by her parents Thomas and Helen Simons.

Survivors include her husband, Don “Skipper” Murray of Somerville; daughters, Shay Rogillio and husband Scott, Michelle Hart and husband Larry, all of Austin; brothers, Tom Simons and wife Susan of Santa Fe, Bill Simons and wife Bonnie of San Antonio; sister, Cathryn “Kaki” Simons of Ft. Worth; and grandchildren, Katie Hart, Meredith Hart, Sarah Rogillio, Claire Rogillio, and Alaina Hart.

Pallbearers are Bruce Huber, Brett Murray, Clayton Simons, Bo Routh, Gus Routh, and Shawn Lynrock.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to the Oaklawn Cemetery Association in Tinka’s name.

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