Juanita "Nita" Mae Murray (nee Stoneman)

Juanita “Nita” Murray, age 88, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family and went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Born in Hillsville, VA, on January 30, 1937, she was a daughter of the late Dorsey Stoneman and Ella (Pugh) Patrick. Nita made her career an as administrative assistant at the University of Delaware Communications Department over 20 years until her retirement. Nita was a devout Christian and believed that Jesus Christ was her Lord and Savior. She faithfully attended church and then began watching sermons when she could no longer attend in person. Nita faithfully read and studied her Bible daily. She loved sharing about the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord. When she told someone she would pray for them, she would stop whatever activity she was doing at the time and pray for that person. She was known for her generosity, almost to a fault, and lived her life in service to others. Along with her husband, Bill, she supported many ministries and “adopted” numerous children in need in other countries, as well as helping numerous people locally. Nita was a true matriarch; she was the family shepherd, always gathering the family as often as possible. Many times, she babysat all five grandchildren at the same time. She also helped care for two of her great-grandchildren and would have cared for her third, had the opportunity risen. Nita also attended almost every event for every child, grandchild and great-grandchild until her last days. Nita also loved her friends and neighbors dearly. Spending time reading the Word of God and time with her family were her greatest joys. She could also be found working in her vegetable and flower gardens, writing poetry or stories, as well as drawing or coloring. Most of all, she will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she would want others to know the joy of having the Lord Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. In addition to her parents, Nita was preceded in death by her son, William M. Murray; granddaughter, Ami Murray; brother, Carson Stoneman; nephew, Jason McGhee; and nephew, Carson Stoneman, Jr. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, William W. Murray; children, Robert J. Murray (Michele) and Karen L. Reuschlein; siblings, Kent Stoneman (Lida), Patricia Duncan, and Debra McGhee (James); grandchildren, Joshua, Amber (Matt), Casey, and Justin; great-grandchildren, Dominic, Savannah, and Gabriella; and former daughter-in-law, Sherri Sammons. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins whom she dearly loved. All services will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Nita’s memory to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607or online by clicking here.

Juanita "Nita" Mae Murray (nee Stoneman)

January 30, 1937 - April 6, 2025