Linda Murrie was healed on September 7, 2024 when she walked into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Linda Lou was born October 21, 1940 to J. Dudman and Wilma LaVaughn (Wilks) Dudman and was raised in Joplin, Missouri. As an only child, Linda had a close relationship with her grandparents, Patrick and Martha Wilks and she loved them dearly. Linda was a bit of a tomboy in her young years and loved climbing trees and playing outside. She grew into a beautiful lady who was involved in the Debate Team, National Thespian President, Dramatics Club President, Y-Teens Christian Club, Spyglass Military Club, and Pep Club. The phrase her classmates used to describe her in the 1958 Joplin High School Yearbook was, “There’s a lovely sparkle about her.”

Lina met the love of her life, Ernie Murrie, when they both worked in the parts department at Sears, Roebuck, and Co. Ernie was a technician and asked Linda to make a correction on a part number that, in his mind, Linda had written “incorrectly.” Linda assured Ernie that the number that she had written was, in fact, correct. Impressed by her independence and willingness to stand up for herself, Ernie asked her out for a cup of coffee. And the rest is history. In case you are wondering, Linda was right about the part number!

Linda and Ernie built a beautiful family consisting of five children: Greg, Jill, John, Vicki, and Michael. 10 grandchildren: Laurin, Hannah, Kenneth, Staci, Matthew, Isabella, Emileigh, Cassidy, Seth, and Madison. Five great-grandchildren: Violet, Bryanna, Bekah, Kinley, and Cadynce.  Two great-great grandchildren: Roman and Jade. Linda’s love for her family is obvious, and her greatest joy has always been in the cherished times that we got together. She always worked hard to make certain that family time was fun for everyone! Linda’s determination to make family gatherings special was on full display every Christmas. Christmastime at the Murrie house is truly a magical time! Linda enjoyed decorating every room in the house. She was also certain to make a list and check it twice to make sure that everyone had the perfect gifts.

The Murrie house was the neighborhood hangout when the Murrie kids were young. Whether playing baseball in the street, basketball in the driveway, or hide and seek in the yard, Linda always had popsicles in the outdoor freezer for all the neighborhood kids!

Linda Murrie is a passionate follower of Jesus Christ. Her love for God’s Word and her dedication to serve the Lord through the church have always been at the core of who she is. As active members at First Baptist Church of Dickinson, she and Ernie served for many years in the Youth Ministry. Linda ministered to the kids in her classes in a loving way that made them want to know more about Jesus. Every Thursday, Linda and Ernie invited the high school seniors into their home for a home cooked lunch. Most Thursdays, there were more than 20 kids who would show up for one of Mrs. Murrie’s lunches! The number of kids never bothered Linda. The more the merrier! Linda made a lasting impression on those kids and many of them serve the Lord today because of her influence in their lives.

She also started a tradition of hosting Ladies’ Teas at FBC-Dickinson. Linda would figure out what she wanted the decorations to look like and her dear friends Doris, Shirley, the two Waynes and Ernie would make it happen. Sweet Audrey was usually head of the food crew. Women all over town looked forward to these special evenings. It was always an incredible sight and a powerful experience of Godly ladies being encouraged through hearing God’s Word!

When she sensed the Lord drawing her to a different area of ministry, Linda answered God’s call into serving Him through Preschool and Children’s ministry. For many years, God has used Linda to nurture children by igniting in them a passion for the Bible and love for God. In her ministry to children, Linda made certain that every child is aware how deeply loved they are by God and by God’s people. When God called Ernie and Linda to Nassau Bay Baptist Church, she served as Children’s Ministry Coordinator for many years. Mrs. Linda has reflected the love of Jesus into the lives of countless number of children and their families.

The greatest desire of Linda’s heart is to faithfully serve God and to make Him known. In Linda’s words, “It’s not about me…it’s all about Him!”

In her honor a visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024 from 1:00 – 2:00pm with a Funeral service at 2:00pm at Nassau Bay Baptist Church, 18131 Nassau Bay Dr. Houston, Texas 77058.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that contributions be made to the Nassau Bay Baptist Church Children’s Playground Fund in Linda’s honor.